WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : E"gret
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [See Aigret, Heron.]
Definition : 1. (Zo?l.)

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. (Zo?l.)

Defn: A kind of ape.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913