'feathery' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'feðer' (feather), with the adjectival suffix '-y' derived from Old English '-ig', where 'feðer' meant 'feather' and '-ig' meant 'having' or 'characterized by'.

'feathery' changed from Middle English forms such as 'feþery' / 'fetheri', which came from Old English 'feðer' plus the suffix '-ig', and eventually became the modern English word 'feathery'.

Initially, it meant 'having feathers' (literally covered with feathers); over time it also developed the figurative meaning of 'resembling a feather' — i.e., 'light or delicate'.