Hamlet White feather

The single White feather as a symbol of cowardice comes from cockfighting and the belief that a cockerel sporting a white feather in its tail is likely to be a poor fighter. Pure-breed gamecocks don't show white feathers, so its presence indicates that the cockerel is an inferior cross-breed.

The symbol is particularly recognised within the British Army and in countries associated with the British Empire since the 18th century.

Contrariwise, in the United States it has come to symbolize extraordinary bravery and excellence in combat marksmanship, with its most notable wearer having been Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Carlos Hathcock, who was awarded the Silver Star medal for bravery during the Vietnam War. Its wear on combat headgear flaunts an insultingly easy target for enemy snipers.