Obs. Also 5–7 feture, 6–7 feature. [ad. L. fētūra, f. *fē-; see FŒTUS.]
1. The action or process of bearing young.
c. 1420. Pallad. on Husb., IV. 730.
| Though thai be better fedde aboute floode, | |
| Yet luke water best helpeth thaire feture [note calvyng]. |
1657. Tomlinson, Renou’s Disp., 447. A Hen is of Birds most useful to man, and most fœctind: for besides her flesh, which she give to him for meat, she alwayes exhibits most commodious fœture; for they daily either lay or sit on Egges, or exclude Chickens; which, while very young, are desired by some; when more adult, pleasant to all palates; and when saginated and castorated, fir for Courtiers.
2. concr. a. The embryo; the fœtus. b. The matured offspring; the product. Also collect.
1545. Raynold, Byrth Mankynde (1564), 27 b. A continuall course of blood … redy to … norysh the feature, so sone as it shalbe conceiued.
1658. Rowland, Moufet’s Theat. Ins., 981. The which [Locusts eggs’] feture is so tender, that with the least touch it is bruised to pieces.
fig. 1584. trans. Latimer’s Serm. Luke xvi., in Fruitf. Serm., 12. Some of them ingendred one, some other such features.
1605. B. Jonson, Volpone, Ded. Because in some mens abortiue features (and would they had neuer boasted the light) it is ouer-true.
