a. An empty or light head. b. A silly, empty-headed person.
a. 1845. Carlyle, Cromwell (1871), I. 96. To me in my poor featherhead, [he] seemed a somewhat unhandy gentleman!
b. 1831. Carlyle, Sart. Res. (1858), 154. Show the dullest clodpole, show the haughtiest featherhead, that a soul higher than himself is actually here; were his knees stiffened into brass, he must down and worship.
1878. T. Sinclair, Mount, 19. Our periodical featherheads do not know that we dwell in the modern land of Canaan.
1878. Tennyson, Q. Mary, V. i. Mary. A fool and featherhead!
attrib. 1886. W. Graham, Social Problem, 190. Failed from no high aims, but from mere featherhead folly or sheer obstinate intractability.
