CROWN
Crown (krn),
Defn: p. p. of Crow. [Obs.]
CROWN Crown (kroun), n. Etym: [OE. corone, coroun, crune, croun, OF. corone, corune, F. couronne, fr. L. corona crown, wreath; akin to Gr. curvus curved, E. curve, curb, Gael. cruinn round, W. crwn. Cf. Cornice, Corona, Coroner, Coronet.]
1. A wreath or garland, or any ornamental fillet encircling the head, especially as a reward of victory or mark of honorable distinction; hence, anything given on account of, or obtained by, faithful or successful effort; a reward. "An olive branch and laurel crown." Shak. They do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptiblle. 1 Cor. ix. 25. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Rev. ii. 10.
2. A royal headdress or cap of sovereignty, worn by emperors, kings, princes, etc.
Note: Nobles wear coronets; the triple crown of the pope is usually called a tiara. The crown of England is a circle of gold with crosses, fleurs-de-lis, and imperial arches, inclosing a crimson velvet cap, and ornamented with thousands of diamonds and precious stones.
3. The person entitled to wear a regal or imperial crown; the sovereign; — with the definite article. Parliament may be dissolved by the demise of the crown. Blackstone. Large arrears of pay were due to the civil and military servants of the crown. Macaulay.
4. Imperial or regal power or dominion; sovereignty. There is a power behind the crown greater than the crown itself. Junius.
5. Anything which imparts beauty, splendor, honor, dignity, or finish. The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. Prov. xvi. 31. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband. Prov. xvi. 4.
6. Highest state; acme; consummation; perfection. Mutual love, the crown of all our bliss. Milton.