crest

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

[ Attack ] his rising crest, and drive the serpent back. C. Pitt. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Stooping low his lofty crest. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

And on his head there stood upright
A crest, in token of a knight. Gower. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. The upper curve of a horse's neck. [ 1913 Webster ]

Throwing the base thong from his bending crest. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. The ridge or top of a wave. [ 1913 Webster ]

Like wave with crest of sparkling foam. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. The summit of a hill or mountain ridge. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. The helm or head, as typical of a high spirit; pride; courage. [ 1913 Webster ]

Now the time is come
That France must vail her lofty plumed crest. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

8. (Arch.) The ornamental finishing which surmounts the ridge of a roof, canopy, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

The finials of gables and pinnacles are sometimes called crests. Parker. [ 1913 Webster ]

9. (Engin.) The top line of a slope or embankment. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]