crest Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun the top line of a hill, mountain, or wave
noun the top or extreme point of something (usually a mountain or hill)
crown; top; tip; summit; peak.
- the view from the peak was magnificent
- they clambered to the tip of Monadnock
- the region is a few molecules wide at the summit
noun the center of a cambered road
crown.
noun (heraldry) in medieval times, an emblem used to decorate a helmet
noun a showy growth of e.g. feathers or skin on the head of a bird or other animal
verb lie at the top of
cap.
- Snow capped the mountains
verb reach a high point
- The river crested last night

OF. creste, F. crte, L. crista.

A tuft, or other excrescence or natural ornament, growing on 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.
The plume of feathers, or other decoration, worn on a helmet; the distinctive ornament of a helmet, indicating the rank of the weare; 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.
(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.
The upper curve of a horse's neck.
Throwing the base thong from his bending crest. Shak.
The ridge or top of wave.
Like wave with crest of sparkling foam. Sir W. Scott.
The summit of a hill or mountain ridge.
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.
(Arch.) The ornamental finishing which surmounts the ridge of a roof, canopy, etc.
The finials of gables and pinnacles are sometimes called crest. Parker.
(Engin.) The top line of a slope or embankment.

imperfect & past participle Crested; present participle & verbal noun Cresting

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.
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.