Literary notes about fledge (AI summary)
The word "fledge" in literature carries both a literal sense related to birds and a rich metaphorical dimension. Often, it is used to depict the natural process of young birds acquiring feathers and taking flight—a symbol of growth and the onset of independence, as seen when children are cautioned not to disturb the fledglings ([1],[2],[3],[4]). Beyond this natural imagery, authors have extended its meaning to evoke the idea of being equipped or transformed, as if readying one’s ambitions or emotions for a spirited launch, a nuance captured in expressions like “to fledge my arrow” ([5],[6]). Additionally, its etymological roots implying the furnishing of wings or feathers have inspired poetic language that blends the tangible beauty of nature with the more abstract aspirations of the human spirit ([7],[8]).
- The girls were not allowed to take any eggs from the nests, and were taught not to frighten a sitting bird or to interfere with the fledge-lings.
— from For the Sake of the School by Angela Brazil - I've watched 'em break shell an' come out an' fledge an' learn to fly an' begin to sing, till I think I'm one of 'em.
— from The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett - A litle birde (saith he) called the Larke, builded her neste in a Wheate field, and when the Wheate was ready to be ripped, her yonge began to fledge.
— from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson - Eh, well, the young birds must fledge and fly alone, and your wings are well sprouted, Angus-lad.
— from The Land of Strong Men by A. M. (Arthur Murray) Chisholm - [288] In 1814 he was ready to say, "Byron hits the mark where I don't even pretend to fledge my arrow."
— from Sir Walter Scott as a Critic of Literature by Margaret Ball - He hits the mark, where I don't even pretend to fledge my arrow.
— from Byron by John Nichol - The Emperor of France is said to be interested in the art of flying and to have given money to fledge some inventions.
— from Scientific American, Volume 22, No. 1, January 1, 1870
A Weekly Journal of Practical Information, Art, Science, Mechanics, Chemistry, and Manufactures. by Various - Fledge , v. To furnish with wings, to supply with feathers.
— from The Field Book: or, Sports and pastimes of the United Kingdom
compiled from the best authorities, ancient and modern by W. H. (William Hamilton) Maxwell