The word "plume" generally refers to a feather or a group of feathers, especially when they are used for decoration or display. In a broader sense, it can also refer to something that rises or spreads out like a feather, such as smoke or a vertical column of water. It conveys a sense of elegance and lightness.
The word "plume" comes from the Latin word "pluma," which means feather or soft down. It has been used in English since the 14th century.