tar and feather vi.
[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.