also: うい
angel's raiment; robe of feathers
Mythological or poetic term for a feathered robe worn by celestial beings, especially in the legend of the Hagoromo (羽衣伝説). Often associated with heavenly maidens.
天女が羽衣をまとって空を舞う姿は美しい。
The sight of a celestial maiden wearing a robe of feathers and dancing in the sky is beautiful.
羽衣伝説は日本各地に残っている。
Legends of the Hagoromo (feathered robe) remain in various parts of Japan.
wings; plumage
Poetic or literary term for the wings or plumage of birds and insects. Not used in everyday conversation; 翼 (つばさ) or 羽毛 (うもう) are more common.
蝶の羽衣は光を受けてきらめいていた。
The butterfly's wings sparkled in the light.
type of bug
Only with reading はごろも
Specific entomological term for a type of bug. Restricted to the reading はごろも. Rare outside specialized contexts.
図鑑で「羽衣」と書かれた虫を見つけた。
I found a bug labeled 'Hagoromo' in the illustrated reference book.
The heavenly maiden put on her robe of feathers and soared into the sky.
The fisherman hid the heavenly maiden's robe of feathers.
Rare reading of 羽衣, mostly found in classical or literary contexts. Not commonly used in modern Japanese.