FLETCHING

Do you sometimes get side-tracked by a word you have come across – even if its meaning is clear in the context, which you read it in – and find yourself delving into its etymology, other meanings of either that word or variations of the word and then find yourself marvelling at the richness of this language we know as English?

Fletching is a word that tripped me up recently. It made me think of birds, feathers, arrows – and people. This is definitely worth a closer look, I thought, and found myself going down the proverbial rabbit hole of discovery.

Etymology first:

Fletch means to fit feathers to (an arrow). The arrow part of the meaning is significant because a fletcher is an arrow-maker.

People next:

Fletcher has been used as a surname from as far back as 1203. This is because fletching can be regarded as an occupation, skill, or trade. There are any number of other surnames that reflect an occupation. The ubiquitous surname, Smith, for example, derives from the Old English word smitan, meaning to smite or hit and was given to a blacksmith – a crucial medieval tradesperson who worked with metal to forge tools, weapons, and horseshoes. Other occupational surnames include Carpenter, Miller and Taylor. My maiden name, Curror, is of Anglo-Saxon origin and refers to a person who was a messenger or who dressed tanned leather.

Arrows then:

Those interested in archery or bow-hunting will know that fletching is made up of three or more feathers. One of the fletches is a different colour and is called the cock or index fletch. The remaining fletches are referred to as the hen fletching. Oh dear, this reminds me of a neighbour having to purchase both a unitwist male coupler and a unitwist female coupler – that’s plumbing for you! Anyhow, these feathers on an arrow are important as they help to stabilize it during flight.

Birds: fletching is a time when chicks require a large intake of protein, which is important for healthy growth and the development of muscles and feathers. Strong feathers are essential both for proper flight and effective insulation from the elements. Sources of protein include caterpillars, aphids and a variety of insects – these all form a critical food source for wild birds with young to feed.

Try looking up ‘fletching’ in this context and the internet mostly throws up sites that focus on ‘fledglings. ‘Fletching’ and ‘fledgling’ thus appear to be interrelated.  It is useful to know that ‘nestlings’ refer to the chicks still in the nest, not yet fledged, while ‘fledglings’ refers to the young birds that have left the nest. At this stage they are fed what is normal food for the adults as well as insects, until they are able to fend for themselves.

This particular rabbit hole still has a way to go, so I shall climb out of it while I can still see light at the top!