| a white egret, Egretta thula, of the warmer parts of the Western Hemisphere: formerly hunted in great numbers for its plumes, the species is now protected and has recovered. |
| snowy egret n. A medium-sized egret (Egretta thula) with white plumage, black legs, and yellow feet, found in warm parts of the Western Hemisphere. It was once widely hunted for its white, lacelike aigrettes that grow during the breeding season. |