crest

English

/kɹɛst/

noun
Definitions
  • The summit of a hill or mountain ridge.
  • A tuft, or other natural ornament, growing on an animal's head, for example the comb of a cockerel, the swelling on the head of a snake, the lengthened feathers of the crown or nape of bird, etc.
  • The plume of feathers, or other decoration, worn on or displayed on a helmet; the distinctive ornament of a helmet.
  • (heraldry) A bearing worn, not upon the shield, but usually on a helmet above it, sometimes (as for clerics) separately above the shield or separately as a mark for plate, in letterheads, and the like.
  • The upper curve of a horse's neck.
  • The ridge or top of a wave.
  • The helm or head, as typical of a high spirit; pride; courage.
  • The ornamental finishing which surmounts the ridge of a roof, canopy, etc.
  • The top line of a slope or embankment.
  • (anatomy) A ridge along the surface of a bone.
  • (informal) A design or logo, especially one of an institution, association or high-class family.
  • Any of several birds in the family Regulidae, including the goldcrests and firecrests.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English creste borrowed from Old French creste derived from Latin crista.

Origin

Latin

crista

Gloss

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms