feather merchant

noun4

1. •
   (slang) A civilian.

   • One more point, the aide says, also, this Arthur Zooks is not only the general's high-school classmate, but is a Very Important Person —in Feather Merchant circles. — 1948
2. •
   (slang) Someone with a cushy job or without combat experience.

   • Everybody who works for a feather merchant knows where all the trouble is — at higher headquarters. At least, that's what the feather merchant says. — 1982
3. •
   (slang) Someone who does not do worthwhile work; someone who is more appearance than substance.

   • The mayor said he doesn't want "feather merchants" to sell their products near schools. — 1991
4. •
   (slang) A short man.

   • A standard joke among painters is that, "(this or that) feather-merchant is so short he needs a step-ladder to paint the baseboard." — 1969