featherbed

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feath·er·bed / ˈfe[voicedth]ərˌbed/ • n. (also feath·er bed) a bed that has a mattress stuffed with feathers.• v. (also feath·er-bed) [tr.] provide (someone) with advantageous economic or working conditions. ∎  [usu. as n.] (featherbedding) deliberately limit production or retain excess staff in (a business) in order to create jobs or prevent unemployment, typically as a result of a union contract.

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