Crest
In
heraldry, a
crest is a component of a
coat of arms. It is a figure, 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.
Some armigers used their crest as a personal badge, which led to the inaccurate use of the word "crest" to describe a shield or full coat of arms.
See also
Shield -- Mantling -- Supporters -- Compartment -- Motto