topknot

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a knot, bun, or gathered arrangement of hair worn on the top of the head

   She twisted her hair into a loose topknot before beginning work.

2. 2
   noun

   a crest, tuft, or knot of feathers on the top of a bird's head

   The cockatoo raised its bright topknot when it became alert.

3. 3
   noun

   historical: a decorative headdress, ribbon, or bow worn high on the head

   The portrait shows a jeweled topknot above the sitter's hair.

A compound of top + knot, first referring to something tied or gathered at the crown of the head and later extended to conspicuous crests or tufts on birds and other animals.

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