Category:Egret

E"gret, n. Etym: (See Aigret, Heron.)

1. (Zoöl.)

Defn: 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, or Herodias, egretta); the great egret (A. alba); the little egret (A. garzetta), of Europe; and the American snowy egret (A. candidissima). A bunch of egrets killed for their plumage. G. W. Cable.

2. A plume or tuft of feathers worn as a part of a headdress, or anything imitating such an ornament; an aigrette.

3. (Bot.)

Defn: The flying feathery or hairy crown of seeds or achenes, as the down of the thistle.

4. (Zoöl.)

Defn: A kind of ape.