Engraved or bright-cut patterns of fine, slanting lines that decorate the edge of silverware. Feather-edging was used on flatware c. 1760-90 and on the handles of silver cutlery from the late 18thC onwards.
where harling is reduced to the thinnest possible coat, to give way to dressed stone, limewash etc. Also refers to reduced thickness in timber boards. 
Engraved or bright-cut patterns of fine, slanting lines that decorate the edge of silverware. Feather-edging was used on flatware c. 1760-90 and on the handles of silver cutlery from the late 18thC onwards.
Feath'er-edge` noun 1. (Zoology) The thin, new growth around the edge of a shell, of an oyster. 2. Any thin, as on a board or a razor. 
finely engraved decoration resembling a birds feather; especially popular on flatware in late 18th century.
A sharp arris formed by beveling or cutting a piece of stone
A sharp reduction in gauge on the edge of a band which is caused be grooves worn in rolls due to extensive rolling of the same width material. This is done for coating control on edge. The gauge variations on a feathered edge generally does not extend in from the edge more than one inch.
A slightly curved repeating pattern of cuts using the same technique as Bright-cut engraving. First used from about 1700, it was chiefly used as a border decoration on flatware and cutlery but was also used on wine labels and small boxes.