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, / Herodias, egretta); the great egret (A.
alba); the little egret (A. garzetta), of Europe; and the American
snowy egret (A. candidissima).

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

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