tar and feather

== English == === Alternative forms === tar-and-feather === Pronunciation === === Verb === tar and feather (third-person singular simple present tars and feathers, present participle tarring and feathering, simple past and past participle tarred and feathered) (transitive) To cover (a person) in sticky tar, then cover in feathers which stick to the tar; an archaic means of humiliating a person. 1855 — George A. Smith, Journal of Discourses, Volume 3 "Preaching the Gospel" "O," say they, "if you talk with a Mormon Elder, you are sure to get worsted; tar and feather them, mob them, and stone them out of the country, for if you listen to them, you will be deceived." === See also === ride on a rail