from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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
egretta} syn. {Herodias egretta}); the great egret ({Ardea
alba}); the little egret ({Ardea garzetta}), of Europe;
and the American snowy egret ({Ardea candidissima}).
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A bunch of egrets killed for their plumage. --G. W.
Cable.
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2. A plume or tuft of feathers worn as a part of a headdress,
or anything imitating such an ornament; an aigrette.
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3. (Bot.) The flying feathery or hairy crown of seeds or
achenes, as the down of the thistle.
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4. (Zo["o]l.) A kind of ape.
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