Egret \E"gret\, n. [See Aigret, Heron.]

1. (Zo["o]l.) 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.) The flying feathery or hairy crown of seeds or achenes, as the down of the thistle.

4. (Zo["o]l.) A kind of ape.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)