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 ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Crested; p. pr. & vb. n. Cresting. ] 1. To furnish with, or surmount as, a crest; to serve as a crest for. [ 1913 Webster ]

His legs bestrid the ocean, his reared arm
Crested the world. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Mid groves of clouds that crest the mountain's brow. Wordsworth. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To mark with lines or streaks, like, or regarded as like, waving plumes. [ 1913 Webster ]

Like as the shining sky in summer's night, . . .
Is crested with lines of fiery light. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To form a crest. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. Having a crest. [ 1913 Webster ]

But laced crested helm. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Zool.) Having a crest of feathers or hair upon the head. “The crested bird.” Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Bott.) Bearing any elevated appendage like a crest, as an elevated line or ridge, or a tuft. Gray. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. With hanging head; hence, dispirited; dejected; cowed. [ 1913 Webster ]

Let it make thee crestfullen;
Ay, and allay this thy abortive pride. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Having the crest, or upper part of the neck, hanging to one side; -- said of a horse. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Arch.) An ornamental finish on the top of a wall or ridge of a roof. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Without a crest or escutcheon; of low birth. “Crestless yeomen.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]