n. | 1. | 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. |
| 2. | Anything having the shape of a crescent or new moon. |
| 3. | A representation of the increasing moon, often used as an emblem or badge |
| 4. | 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. |
| 5. | (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. |
a. | 1. | Shaped like a crescent. |
| 2. | Increasing; growing. |
v. t. | 1. | To form into a crescent, or something resembling a crescent. |
| 2. | To adorn with crescents. |
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