pluming
Spreading decorative feathers
Pluming is the present participle of plume.
A bird pluming itself is preening—smoothing and arranging its feathers.
Smoke or steam pluming rises in a feathery column: Smoke was pluming from the chimney.
To plume oneself on something is to take pride in it, suggesting self-satisfied preening: He plumed himself on his wit.
Grooming with vanity
- groomingSelf-care for appearance
- downToward lower ground
- quillsHollow defensive animal spikes
- barbsSharp points or jibes
display · peacock · crest · tail · ruffling · fluffing · spreading · fanning
preening
Grooming with vanity
barbs · display · peacock · crest · tail · ruffling · fluffing · spreading · fanning · molt
rising
Act of ascending
drifting · swirling · column · wisp · trail · tendril · spiral · chimney · exhaust · fumes
decorated
Made more visually appealing
- embellishedDecorated or exaggerated
- featheredCovered with plumage
- headdressOrnamental head covering
helmet · crest · regalia · ceremonial · hat · flourish · accessory · ornate · finery · military
plumingself-effacing
Downplaying one's own importance
self-deprecating · modest · humble · shrinking · unassuming
plumingruffling
Disrupting a smooth surface
disheveling · molting · shedding · neglecting · bedraggling
plumingsinking
Falling through water
falling · settling · descending · dissipating · subsiding