My thinking is that it may refer to the feather an Indian brave earns by showing bravery. Native American males who did not show bravery were not entitled to wear a feather. Nor were they entitled to wear their hair in the manner of men, instead required to wear it in the manner of a woman. Such men were used as servants by all other braves and were ridiculed for lack of manliness and were considered cowards.
The Raven, not displaying the upright plumage "crest" of Cardinals, Woodpeckers, etc., could be said to be "shorn" which means "cut short" and "shaven". This makes it a double play on words, referring back to the "sad fancy into smiling" with amusement.
You guys are great. I think I can incorporate all of your ideas! :-)
THANK YOU, FreeRepublic Brain Trust.