egret
[ee-grit, eg-rit, ee-gret, ee-gret]
- 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.
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Origin of egret
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for egret
Historical Examples
The Egret settled to her nest again and the Pelican went on with the story.
The Trail BookMary Austin
"It was the plan of the Cacica of Cofachique," explained the Egret.
The Trail BookMary Austin
It will be from the Sultan himself, with the heart of an egret in his hand.
Baibars wore an egret's plume, symbol of valor, on his green turban.
The Saracen: Land of the InfidelRobert Shea
The colour of the Egret is pure white, with the exception of the train.
Bible Animals;J. G. Wood
egret
- 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
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Word Origin
C15: from Old French aigrette, from Old Provençal aigreta, from aigron heron, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German heigaro heron
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for egret
n.
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).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper