noun. An ornamental tuft of upright plumes, especially the tail feathers of an egret.

noun. An ornament, such as a spray of gems, resembling a tuft of plumes.

noun. The lesser white heron; the egret.

noun. A feather or plume, or feather-shaped item, used as an adornment or ornament.

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

noun. a long plume (especially one of egret feathers) worn on a hat or a piece of jewelry in the shape of a plume

"The aigrette, which is a sort of artificial plume, or feather, represents a hand with thirteen fingers, covered with diamonds; allusive to the thirteen ships taken and destroyed by the hero: and it's size is that of a child's hand, at the age of five or six years, when open."