Wing, Wings.

Wing of a house, wing of an army, wing of a battalion or squadron, etc., are the side-pieces which start from the main body, as the wings of birds.

Donʹt try to fly without wings. Attempt nothing you are not fit for. A French proverb.

On the wing. Au vol, about to leave.

To clip one’s wings. To take down one’s conceit; to hamper one’s action. In French, Rogner les ailes [à quelquʹun].

To lend wings. To spur one’s speed.

“This sound of danger lent me wings.”

R. L. Stevenson.

To take one under your wing. To patronise and protect. The allusion is to a hen gathering her chicks under her wing.

To take wing. To fly away; to depart without warning. (French, sʹenvoler.)

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.