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

/ eɪˈɡrɛt; ˈeɪɡrɛt /

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

She wore a rather severe evening gown of black net, and in her gray hair was a quivering black aigrette.

From Project Gutenberg

A diamond aigrette sparkled on her head, but her beautiful white throat was bare of ornaments.

From Project Gutenberg

Dark phase, Head and neck rufous; back slate; about 30 "aigrette" plumes.

From Project Gutenberg

"Aigrette" plumes, short, dirty gray; rump and belly white; legs blackish.

From Project Gutenberg

White, about 50 straight "aigrette" plumes grow from the back between the wings; legs and feet black.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ridge