A.soft feathers or down under the true feathers (πτίλα: πτερὰ ἁπαλά, Hsch., cf. Phot., Suid.), π. κύκνειον [S.]Fr.1127.3, cf. Clytus 1, Ael.NA12.4, etc.; “κνεφάλλων ἢ πτίλων σεσαγμένος” Pl.Com.97, cf.Eub.5; burned in order to spread pungent smoke, Plb.21.28.12; down on a youth's chin, D.H.Dem.51.
2. Com., of the plume of a helmet, φέρε νῦν ἀπὸ τοῦ κράνους μοι τὸ πτερόν. Ans. “τουτὶ πτίλον σοι” Ar.Ach.585, cf. 588; π. τὸ μέγα κομπολακύθου ib.1182.
II. wing, prop. of insects, Arist.IA713a10; of the wing-like membrane in a kind of serpents, “π. οὐ πτερωτά” Hdt.2.76.
III. anything like a feather or wing,
1. leaf, Nic.Th.524.
2. pl., sails of a ship, Lyc.25.