What does the cryptic crossword clue "Warm, feathery layer for barbarian (7)" mean?

The definition is "barbarian". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). HEAT (synonym="warm") + HEN (synonym="‘feathery layer’ – a hen has feathers and lays eggs") = HEATHEN; definition: "barbarian" The answer is HEATHEN.

Warm, feathery layer for barbarian (7)

Independent Cryptic #10950 | 19 Down | 2021-11-16 flower

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