GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Crescent , n. [OE. cressent, cressaunt, crescent (in sense 1), OF. creissant increasing, F. croissant, p. pr. of croître, OF. creistre, fr. L. crescere to increase, v. incho.; akin to creare to create. See Create, and cf. Accrue, Increase, Crescendo.]
   The increasing moon; the moon in her first quarter, or when defined by a concave and a convex edge; also, applied improperly to the old or decreasing moon in a like state.
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   Anything having the shape of a crescent or new moon.
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   A representation of the increasing moon, often used as an emblem or badge; as: (a) A symbol of Artemis, or Diana. (b) The ancient symbol of Byzantium or Constantinople. Hence: (c) The emblem of the Turkish Empire, adopted after the taking of Constantinople.
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   The cross of our faith is replanted,
   The pale, dying crescent is daunted.
   Campbell.
   
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   Any one of three orders of knighthood; the first instituted by Charles I., king of Naples and Sicily, in 1268; the second by René of Anjou, in 1448; and the third by the Sultan Selim III., in 1801, to be conferred upon foreigners to whom Turkey might be indebted for valuable services.
   Brande & C.
   
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   (Her.) The emblem of the increasing moon with horns directed upward, when used in a coat of arms; -- often used as a mark of cadency to distinguish a second son and his descendants.
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2.       
   Crescent , a.
   Shaped like a crescent.
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   Astarte, queen of heaven, with crescent horns.
   Milton.
   
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   Increasing; growing.
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   O, I see the crescent promise of my spirit hath not set.
   Tennyson.
   
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3.       
   Crescent, v. t.
   To form into a crescent, or something resembling a crescent. [R.]
   Anna Seward.
   
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   To adorn with crescents.
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