Glossary
What means ... ?
Each branch has ist own technical terms and definitions.
Among other things, CEN (European body of standardization) developed the definition standard EN 1885 which defines the technical terms of the feather industry.
As follows the most important definitions of EN 1885:
- Down
- Feather
- Eiderduck down
- Waterfowl feather
- Goose feather
- Duck feather
- Landfowl feather
- Reprocessed feather
- Finished feather
- New feather
Down
Plumage forming the undercoating of waterfowl, consisting of clusters of light, fluffy filaments growing from one scantly down core but without any quill shaft or vane.
Feather
Horny integument of fowls. It has a shorter and softer vane than quill feather and, unlike plumules, a well developed quill.Waterfowl feather
Feather derived from the plucking of waterfowl, such as ducks and geese.Goose feather
Feather derived from the plucking of geese.
Duck feather
Feather derived from the plucking of ducks.
Down of Eiderduck
Down picked from eiderducks´ nests.Landfowl feather
Feather derived from the plucking of landfowl, includes chicken feathers and turkey.Finished feather
Feather which has been passed through all the working processes, including washing, drying and all hygienic treatments.New feather
Feather not previously used after plucking as filling material.Reprocessed feather
Feather which has been previously used as filling material and again subjected to treatment.
The standard EN 1885, edition June 1998, which contains further definitions on the subject "down and feathers" can be obtained from:British Standards Institution
Chiswick High Road 389
London W410772 Berlin
Telephone: 0044 / 208996 9000