\Crest\ (kr[e^]st), n. [OF. creste, F. cr[^e]te, 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.
         [Attack] his rising crest, and drive the serpent
         back.                                 --C. Pitt.
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.
         Stooping low his lofty crest.         --Sir W.
                                               Scott.
         And on his head there stood upright A crest, in
         token of a knight.                    --Gower.
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.
4. The upper curve of a horse's neck.
         Throwing the base thong from his bending crest.
                                               --Shak.
5. The ridge or top of a wave.
         Like wave with crest of sparkling foam. --Sir W.
                                               Scott.
6. The summit of a hill or mountain ridge.
7. The helm or head, as typical of a high spirit; pride;
   courage.
         Now the time is come That France must vail her lofty
         plumed crest.                         --Shak.
8. (Arch.) The ornamental finishing which surmounts the ridge
   of a roof, canopy, etc.
         The finials of gables and pinnacles are sometimes
         called crests.                        --Parker.
9. (Engin.) The top line of a slope or embankment.
{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.

\Crest\, 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.
   His legs bestrid the ocean, his reared arm Crested the
   world.                                      --Shak.
   Mid groves of clouds that crest the mountain's brow.
                                               --Wordsworth.
2. To mark with lines or streaks, like, or regarded as like,
   waving plumes.
         Like as the shining sky in summer's night, . . . Is
         crested with lines of fiery light.    --Spenser.

\Crest\ (kr[e^]st), v. i.
To form a crest.