The word "铩羽而归" is formed by combining "铩羽", meaning to have feathers damaged, with "而归", meaning and then return. "铩" denotes injuring or breaking, "羽" refers to feathers or wings, "而" serves as a conjunctive particle linking the action to the outcome, and "归" indicates returning. Together, they create a metaphorical idiom meaning to return after suffering a defeat or setback.