The crest or plume worn on top of a helmet, especially in medieval and heraldic contexts, sometimes called a cimier in French heraldry.
From Old French cimier, possibly derived from Latin cyma (wave or crest), or related to Middle Latin cemiteria. The word traveled through heraldic traditions and remains primarily in historical and genealogical contexts.
Medieval knights wore cimiers partly for intimidation—a tall plume could make you look bigger in battle—but also so allies could identify you on the field! Heraldry still uses cimiers as symbols of family rank and history.
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