crest´like´

crest «krehst», noun, verb.

–n.

1. a tuft or comb on the head of a bird or animal.

2. a) a decoration of plumes or feathers on the top of a helmet. b) the apex or cone of a helmet. c) = helmet. (Cf. ↑helmet)

3. a decoration at the top of a coat of arms. A family crest is sometimes put on silverware, dishes, or letter paper.

4. the top part; peak; summit: »

The crest of a hill. The instrument is designed to count a sample of 300 waves, and to measure the height of each from trough to succeeding crest (Science News Letter).

SYNONYM(S): ridge.

5. a) the ridge of the neck of a horse, dog, or other animal with fur. b) the mane of a horse, lion, or other animal with fur. c) Anatomy. a ridge running along the surface of a bone: »

the frontal crest of the skull.

6. Architecture. = cresting. (Cf. ↑cresting)

–v.t.

1. to furnish with a crest or cresting.

2. to serve as a crest to; top; crown: »

The stately mansion crested the hill.

3. to reach the crest or summit of (a hill, wave, or other inclined surface).

–v.i.

1. to form or rise into a crest: »

Wave upon wave crested during the storm.

2. to reach its crest or highest point: »

At LaCrosse, Wis., the river crested at 17.7 feet, 5.7 feet above flood stage (New York Times).

3. Dialect. to hold oneself (up) proudly: »

The old minister was standing with his back to the fire, cresting up erect (James Boswell).

╂[< Old French creste < Latin crista tuft, crest]

–crest´like´, adjective.