tar and feather

   [from  Unix tar(1)] To create a transportable archive from a group of
   files by first sticking them together with tar(1) (the Tape ARchiver)
   and  then  compressing the result (see {compress}). The latter action
   is  dubbed  feathering  partly for euphony and (if only for contrived
   effect)  by  analogy  to  what  you  do with an airplane propeller to
   decrease  wind resistance, or with an oar to reduce water resistance;
   smaller  files,  after  all,  slip  through  comm  links more easily.
   Compare  the more common {tarball}. Earlier, the phrase referred to a
   punishment  in  which  the victims had tar being poured upon them and
   then,  whilst  the  tar  was  still  sticky,  having a pillow full of
   feathers   -   or   other   material   --   thrown   at   them.   See
   http://www.nwta.com/Spy/spring99/tar.html.

[glossary]
[Reference(s) to this entry by made by: {zip}]