(n.) 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).
(n.) A plume or tuft of feathers worn as a part of a headdress, or anything imitating such an ornament; an aigrette.
(n.) The flying feathery or hairy crown of seeds or achenes, as the down of the thistle.