crest

crest [krest]

n.

[ME creste < OFr < L crista, prob. < IE base * (s)kreis-, to shake > MIr cressaim, I shake, ON hrista, to shake]

1. any process or growth on the head of an animal, as a comb or feathered tuft on certain birds

2. a plume or emblem, formerly worn on a helmet

3. a helmet or its apex

4. a heraldic device placed above the shield in a coat of arms, or used separately on seals, silverware, note paper, etc.

5. the top of anything, or the line or surface along the top; summit; ridge [the crest of a wave, a mountain crest]

6. the highest point, level, degree, etc.

7.

a) the ridge of the neck of a horse, lion, etc.

b) the mane growing on this

8. CRESTING

9. a projecting ridge, as along a bone

vt.

1. to provide or decorate with a crest

2. to lie at the top of; crown

3. to reach the crest of

vi.

1. to form a crest, as a wave

2. to reach its highest level [the flooding river crested at 30 feet]