Definition of winged

The origin of the word "winged" can be traced back to the Old English word "hyng" or "wāng," both of which meant "wing." These words come from the Indo-European root "penk-," which refers to feathers or wings. In Old English, the word was used to describe birds with wings, as well as things that were shaped like wings, such as the wings of a horseman's cloak. Over time, as the meaning of the word evolved and acquired additional senses, it also began to be used metaphorically to describe things that seemed to move quickly or gracefully, like ideas or emotions. The modern English word "winged" has retained much of its original meaning, but it is now more commonly used to describe things that have wings, or that seem to have wings figuratively, as in the expression "winged words" to refer to ideas or messages that spread quickly and widely. In summary, the word "winged" has its roots in the Old English words "hyng" and "wāng," which meant "wing," and can be traced back to the Indo-European root "penk-," denoting feathers or wings. Over time, the word has retained and expanded upon its original meaning, incorporating new senses and applications through metaphor and figurative language.