E"gret (?), n. [See Aigret, Heron.] 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, 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.

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.

• Any of various wading birds of the genera Egretta or Ardea that includes herons, many of which are white or buff, and several of which develop fine plumes during the breeding season.