Aigrette
/ˈeɪ.ɡrɛt/noun
A tuft of feathers, especially an egret plume, or a jeweled ornament designed to resemble one.
Did you know?In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, demand for aigrette feathers drove large-scale egret hunting, helping inspire international bird-protection campaigns.
Etymological Timeline
Medieval Period
Old French
aigron
“A name for an egret or heron-like wading bird; its deeper origin is uncertain.”
Medieval Period
Occitan
aigreta
“A diminutive form associated with an egret or its plume.”
16th Century
French
aigrette
“An egret feather or tuft used as an ornament.”
17th Century
English
aigrette
“A plume or feather ornament, later also a jeweled headpiece.”
Modern English
English
aigrette
“A decorative feather tuft, plume-shaped ornament, or jeweled hair ornament.”