egret
UK[ˈiːɡrɪt]US[ˈiːɡrət]
n
A type of wading bird with long legs, a long neck, and white or buff plumage, closely related to the heron.
Etymology
The word 'egret' entered English in the 14th century from the Anglo-French word 'egret', which itself was a diminutive of the Old French 'aigron', meaning 'heron'. The Old French term derived from the Frankish word 'haigro', a Germanic root related to the Old High German 'heigaro' and the Old English 'hrāgra', both meaning 'heron'. The modern English word 'heron' shares this same Proto-Germanic ancestor, 'hraigrô'. Thus, 'egret' and 'heron' are etymological cousins, with 'egret' specifically coming to denote the typically white-plumed members of the heron family.
Analysis
The word 'egret' is a simplex loanword. Its spelling and form were adopted as a whole from French.
Examples
A great white egret stood motionless in the shallow water, waiting to spear a fish.
The snowy egret is known for its delicate white feathers and bright yellow feet.
During the breeding season, the egret develops long, ornamental plumes on its back.