• 1 a comb or tuft of feathers, fur, or skin on the head of a bird or other animal.

  ■ a plume of feathers on a helmet.

• 2 the top of a ridge, wave, etc.

  ■ Anatomy a ridge along the surface of a bone.

• 3 a distinctive heraldic device representing a family or corporate body, displayed above the shield of a coat of arms or separately.

■ (of a wave) form a curling foamy top.

■ (be crested with) have (something) attached at the top.