1. a plume or tuft of feathers worn as a decoration on a hat or headdress
Usage: often refers to feathers from herons or egrets; historical fashion term
2. a spray of gems or jewels arranged to resemble feathers
Usage: jewelry or ornamental use
3. a tuft of long feathers on the head of certain birds, such as herons or egrets
Usage: ornithology

Examples

• The duchess wore an aigrette of white ostrich feathers in her hair.
• The bride's tiara was adorned with an aigrette of diamonds and pearls.
• The heron displayed its elegant aigrette during the mating season.
• Victorian ladies often decorated their bonnets with aigrettes.
• The museum's collection included a jeweled aigrette from the 18th century.