Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Egret
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. 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.
(Zoöl.)
A kind of ape.
Webster 1828 Edition
Egret
E'GRET
,Noun.
1.
In botany, the flying feathery or hairy crown of seeds, as the down of the thistle.