Herodias egretta

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}). [1913 Webster]

A bunch of egrets killed for their plumage. --G. W. Cable. [1913 Webster]

2. A plume or tuft of feathers worn as a part of a headdress, or anything imitating such an ornament; an aigrette. [1913 Webster]

3. (Bot.) The flying feathery or hairy crown of seeds or achenes, as the down of the thistle. [1913 Webster]

4. (Zo["o]l.) A kind of ape. [1913 Webster]