![The white feather is a widely recognised symbol.[1] It has, among other things, represented cowardice or conscientious pacifism; as in A. E.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/48/A_single_white_feather_closeup.jpg "White feather - Wikipedia")
White feather - Wikipedia
The white feather is a widely recognised symbol.[1] It has, among other things, represented cowardice or conscientious pacifism; as in A. E. W. Mason's 1902 book, "The Four Feathers". In Britain during the First World War it was often given to men out of uniform by women to shame them publicly into signing up. In the United States armed forces, however, it is used to signify extraordinary bravery and excellence in combat marksmanship.
In the United Kingdom and the countries of the British Empire since the 18th century, the white feather has sometimes represented cowardice. As such, it was used by patriotic groups, including prominent members of the Suffragette movement and early feminists, in order to shame men into enlisting.
Accordingly, the white feather supposedly[1] comes from cockfighting and the belief that a cockerel sporting a white feather in its tail is likely to be a poor fighter. Pure-breed gamecocks do not show white feathers and so its presence indicates that the cockerel is an inferior cross-breed.
Shame was exerted upon men in England and France who had not taken the cross at the time of the Third Crusade. "A great many men sent each other wool and distaff, hinting that if anyone failed to join this military undertaking they were only fit for women's work".[2]
