aigrette

[ ey-gret, ey-gret ]

noun

1. a plume or tuft of feathers, especially the back plume of any of various herons, arranged as a head ornament.
2. a jeweled ornament depicting or suggesting this, usually worn in the hair or on a hat.

aigrette

/ ˈeɪɡrɛt; eɪˈɡrɛt /

noun

1. a long plume worn on hats or as a headdress, esp one of long egret feathers
2. an ornament or piece of jewellery in imitation of a plume of feathers

Word History and Origins

Origin of aigrette¹

1635–45; < French, equivalent to aigr- (< Germanic; compare Old High German heiger heron) + -ette -ette. See egret, heron

Word History and Origins

Origin of aigrette¹

C19: French

Example Sentences

Iranian-style jewelry studded with jade and other precious stones were popular during the Ottoman period, and Joyce may have applied his newfound skills to crafting rings, earrings, necklaces, and intricate jeweled turban aigrettes.

From National Geographic

In the finished portrait, he stands draped in pearls with a diamond aigrette twinkling from his turban, every inch the maharajah — except, of course, for the Koh-i-Noor.

From New York Times

Who else but Loulou—tomboy daughter of a French marquis and an Anglo-Irish fashion model—would have adopted mock-maharaja garb for her own wedding, complete with a turban and an aigrette?

From Architectural Digest

Other intriguing pieces included Chaumet’s narrow diamond tiara with a central opal, with an upstanding aigrette of white feathers rising from sapphire branches.

From New York Times

From the Grand Signor, a diamond aigrette and rich pelisse, valued at £3,000.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ridge