1.(Zoöl.) The name of several species of herons which bear plumes on the back. They are generally white. Among the best known species are the American egret (Ardea egretta syn. Herodias egretta); the great egret (Ardea alba); the little egret (Ardea garzetta), of Europe; and the American snowy egret (Ardea candidissima). "A bunch of egrets killed for their plumage."
2.A plume or tuft of feathers worn as a part of a headdress, or anything imitating such an ornament; an aigrette.
3.(Bot.) The flying feathery or hairy crown of seeds or achenes, as the down of the thistle.
