a showy tuft or projection on the head of an animal, esp a bird
a plume, emblem, etc worn on a knight's helmet
a symbol of a family, office, etc, that appears as a figure above the shield in a heraldic achievement (coat of arms)
not used technically in heraldry: a coat of arms
the upper muscular ridge of a horse's neck from which the mane grows
the ridge or top, esp of a wave, roof, or mountain
the climax; culmination
at the crest of her fame
on the crest of a wave
enjoying great success
crested adj
crestless adj
[Middle English creste via French, from Latin crista crest, cock's comb]