downy meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

downy

adj

/ˈdaʊni/

Etymology From down + -y.

Having down, covered with a soft fuzzy coating as of small feathers or hair.

Dated, Slang Sharp-witted, perceptive.

The right hon. Gentleman has much more claim to the adjective downy than I have, but he really cannot catch me with that one.1947, Sir David Maxwell Fyfe, Speech in UK House of Commons, 10th November 1947
I’m not clever, p’raps: but I am rather downy; and partial friends say I know what’s o’clock tolerably well.1848 November – 1850 December, William Makepeace Thackeray, chapter 10, in The History of Pendennis. […], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), London: Bradbury and Evans, […], published 1849–1850, →OCLC:

Norfolk, UK Low-spirited; down in the mouth.

Derived terms: downily, downiness, downy birch, downy rattlesnake, downy willow, downy woodpecker, undowny

noun

Etymology From down + -y.

A blanket filled with down; a duvet.

Went to bed with 2 downies on the bed, but the heat finally kicked in and ended with one cover and my feet sticking out.2013, Dorothy M. Jensen, The Little Girl From 311 Travis Street, page 246:

to do the downy (i.e. lie in bed)
"Lord love you, Mr. Scott, I've a deal to do before I get to my downy; and I don't like those doctored tipples. Good night, Mr. Scott; I wishes you good night, sir;" and making another slight reference to his hat, which had not been removed from his head during the whole interview, Mr. Manylodes took himself off.1857, Anthony Trollope, The Three Clerks, volume I, London: Richard Bentley, page 181: