Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CRES'CENT, n.

1. The increasing or new moon, which, when receding from the sun, shows a curving rim of light, terminating in points or horns. It is applied to the old or decreasing moon, in a like state, but less properly. – Dryden.
2. The figure or likeness of the new moon; as that borne in the Turkish flag or national standard. The standard itself and figuratively, the Turkish power. – Gibbon.
3. In heraldry, a bearing in the form of a half moon.
4. The name of a military order, instituted by Renatus of Anjou, king of Sicily; so called from its symbol or badge, a crescent of gold enameled. – Encyc.