Crest (heraldry) - Definition and Overview

In heraldry, a crest is a component of a coat of arms. It is a figure (or group of figures), often but not always a beast of some kind, depicted atop the helmet placed above the shield. The crest has been traditionally used by men only, with the exception of queens of England or Britain, who have been treated heraldically as men.

Some armigers used their crest as a personal badge, which led to the erroneous use of the word "crest" to describe a shield or full coat of arms.