Definitions

1. verb

to remove the feathers from an animal, especially a bird

“The taxidermist had to deplumate the bird before mounting it for display.”

2. verb

to strip or remove the feathers from a person or thing, often figuratively

“The critic deplumated the poet’s latest work, calling it a failure.”

3. noun

the act of removing feathers from an animal

“The taxidermist’s skill in deplumation made her a sought-after expert in her field.”