Aigrette – Definition & Meaning

Aigrette is a word that is not commonly used in everyday language, but its meaning and associations are significant. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and various meanings of the word aigrette. We will also discuss its associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.

Definitions

Aigrette is a noun that has several meanings. It can refer to a long, narrow plume of feathers or a tuft of feathers on a bird’s head. It can also refer to a piece of jewelry, specifically a brooch or hair ornament, that is adorned with feathers, gems, or other decorative elements. Additionally, aigrette can refer to a type of egret, a bird with a long, slender neck and white plumage.

Origin

The word aigrette has its roots in the French language, where it originally referred to the tuft of feathers on a bird’s head. The word comes from the Old French word “aigret,” which means “egret.” Egrets were once hunted for their feathers, which were used to adorn hats and other fashion accessories. The word aigrette eventually came to refer to the feathered ornament itself, as well as the bird that provided the feathers.

Meaning in different dictionaries

In the Oxford English Dictionary, aigrette is defined as “a tuft of feathers on the head of a bird, especially an egret, or a brooch or other ornament resembling this.” Merriam-Webster defines aigrette as “a plume or tuft of feathers (as of egret or heron) worn as a headdress or ornament.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines aigrette as “a long, thin, white feather or group of feathers, especially one worn in a hat or as a decoration on a piece of jewelry.”

Associations

Aigrettes are often associated with elegance, luxury, and opulence. They were once highly prized as fashion accessories, particularly in the 19th century, when they were used to adorn hats and other clothing items. Aigrettes were also associated with the hunting and killing of birds for their feathers, which led to the decline of several species of egrets and other birds.

Synonyms

Some synonyms for aigrette include plume, feather, crest, ornament, and brooch.

Antonyms

There are no direct antonyms for aigrette, but some words that are opposite in meaning include plain, unadorned, and simple.

The same root words

The word aigrette shares its root with several other words in the English language, including egret, which refers to a type of bird, and gret, an Old French word that means “little gray.” The word also shares its root with the word agraffe, which refers to a type of decorative hook used in clothing.

Example Sentences

Here are some example sentences that use the word aigrette:

  • The bride wore a stunning aigrette in her hair, adorned with diamonds and pearls.
  • The egret’s aigrette was a beautiful sight, its long feathers swaying in the breeze.
  • The museum’s collection includes several aigrettes from the 19th century, once highly prized as fashion accessories.
  • The hunter proudly displayed his trophy, an aigrette from a rare species of bird.
  • The designer used an aigrette as the centerpiece of her latest jewelry collection, inspired by nature.
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