Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CREST, n. [Fr. crête; L. crista; It. cresta; Sp. creston. This is probably, a growing or shooting up, from the root of cresco, Fr. croître; Norm. crest, it rises, it accrues; Russ. rastu or rostu, to grow; rost, growth, size, tallness.]

1. The plume of feathers or other material on the top of the ancient helmet; the helmet itself. – Shak.
2. The ornament of the helmet in heraldry. – Encyc.
3. The comb of a cock; also, a tuft of feathers on the head of other fowls.
4. Any tuft or ornament worn on the head. – Dryden.
5. Loftiness; pride; courage; spirit; a lofty mien. – Shak.