Crest (kr&ebreve_;st), n. [OF. creste, F. crête, L. crista.] 1. A tuft, or other excrescence or natural ornament, growing on an animal's head; the comb of a cock; the swelling on the head of a serpent; the lengthened feathers of the crown or nape of bird, etc. Darwin.
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[Attack] his rising crest, and drive the serpent back. C. Pitt.
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2. The plume of feathers, or other decoration, worn on a helmet; the distinctive ornament of a helmet, indicating the rank of the wearer; hence, also, the helmet.
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Stooping low his lofty crest. Sir W. Scott.
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And on his head there stood upright
A crest, in token of a knight. Gower.
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3. (Her.) A bearing worn, not upon the shield, but usually above it, or separately as an ornament for plate, liveries, and the like. It is a relic of the ancient cognizance. See Cognizance, 4.
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4. The upper curve of a horse's neck.
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Throwing the base thong from his bending crest. Shak.
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5. The ridge or top of a wave.
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Like wave with crest of sparkling foam. Sir W. Scott.
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6. The summit of a hill or mountain ridge.
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7. The helm or head, as typical of a high spirit; pride; courage.
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Now the time is come
That France must vail her lofty plumed crest. Shak.
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8. (Arch.) The ornamental finishing which surmounts the ridge of a roof, canopy, etc.
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The finials of gables and pinnacles are sometimes called crests. Parker.
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9. (Engin.) The top line of a slope or embankment.
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Crest tile, a tile made to cover the ridge of a roof, fitting upon it like a saddle. -- Interior crest (Fort.), the highest line of the parapet.
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Crest (kr&ebreve_;st), v. i. To form a crest.
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