1. crista, ae, f. [cf. cer- in cerebrum, pro-ceres, = cel- in excello].
- I. Prop., a tuft on the head of animals; most freq. of the comb of a cock, Varr. R. R. 3, 9, 4 and 5; Plin. 10, 56, 77, § 156; Juv. 13, 233 al.; of a lapwing, Ov. M. 6, 672; Plin. 10, 29, 44, § 86; of a serpent, Ov. M. 7, 150; 15, 669; Plin. 11, 37, 44, § 122.
Prov.: illi surgunt cristae, his crest rises, he carries his head high, i. e. he is conceited, Juv. 4, 70.
- II. Transf.
- A. A tuft of leaves on plants: foliorum, Plin. 22, 22, 43, § 86: crista galli or absol. crista, the name of a plant, = alectoros lophos, the cock’s comb, id. 27, 5, 23, § 40.
- B. The crest of a helmet, plume, Lucr. 2, 633; Liv. 10, 39, 12; Plin. 7, 56, 57, § 200; Verg. A. 3, 468; 6, 779 et saep.
- * C. The clitoris, Juv. 6, 422.