Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun
- any of several usually white herons that grow long, graceful plumes during the breeding season, as Egretta garzetta (little egret), of the Old World.
- aigrette.
noun
- any of various wading birds of the genera Egretta, Hydranassa, etc, that are similar to herons but usually have a white plumage and, in the breeding season, long feathery plumes: family Ardeidae, order CiconiiformesSee also aigrette
mid-14c., from Old French aigrette, from Old Provençal aigreta, diminutive of aigron “heron,” perhaps of Germanic origin (cf. Old High German heigaro; see heron).