fledge

/flɛdʒ/

Other forms: fledged; fledging; fledges

When baby birds fledge, they grow feathers that are big enough for flying. Just after they fledge, birds take their first practice flights.

You can use the verb fledge in several ways — first, to describe what happens when a bird's feathers grow in. A mother bird — or human — who cares for and raises a young bird can also be said to fledge it. You can also talk about the process of putting feathers on something, especially a hunting arrow, this way: "Once you fledge the arrow, you can use it with your bow." The Old English root word is flycge, "having feathers, or fit to fly."

Definitions of fledge

1. verb

   grow feathers
   “The young sparrows are fledging already”

   synonyms: feather

   type of:

   acquire, develop, get, grow, produce

   come to have or undergo a change of (physical features and attributes)
2. verb

   feed, care for, and rear young birds for flight
   type of:

   bring up, nurture, parent, raise, rear

   bring up
3. verb

   decorate with feathers
   “fledge an arrow”

   synonyms: flight

   type of:

   adorn, beautify, decorate, embellish, grace, ornament

   make more attractive by adding ornament, color, etc.