A BROKEN-FEATHER IN ONE’S WING, subs. phr. (colloquial).—A blot on one’s character.
1876. MARGARET OLIPHANT, Phœbe, Junior, ii., 6. If an angel were to walk about, Mrs. Sam Hurst would never rest till she had found out where he came from. And perhaps whether he had a BROKEN FEATHER IN HIS WING.
