aigrette

noun

Etymology: Borrowed from French aigrette (“egret”). Doublet of egret.

1. A feather or plume, or feather-shaped item, used as an adornment or ornament, typically in hats or hair.

   “This bauble, said he, shewing me an elegant sprig of diamonds, is an aigret, sent in last week by a lady of quality, who has ever since kept home with her head muffled up in a double clout for a pretended fit of the tooth-ache.”

   “His turban, furled in many a graceful fold, / An emerald aigrette, with Haidée's hair in't, / Surmounted as its clasp […]”

2. The lesser white heron.

   “Birds of many kinds skimmed the weedy flats. George pointed out a flock of aigrets, the beautiful wild fowl with the priceless plumes.”

3. The feathery crown of some seeds (such as the dandelion).