"Feather merchant"

Posted by Hilary on April 04, 2006

In Reply to: "Feather merchant" posted by Brian from Shawnee on April 04, 2006

: : Hi

: : I would be interested to know the origin and meaning of the term "Feather merchant".

:
: From www.answers.com:

: "A person short or of slight build or a person in a comfortable or easy assignment such as headquarters duty or some staff billet. Often used for all civilians working for the military."

I found this definition which fits with the way I have heard the expression used.

feather merchant

Older Slang.
a person who avoids responsibility and effort; loafer.

Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc.