Crown (kroun), n. [OE. corone, coroun, crune, croun, OF. corone, corune, F. couronne, fr. L. corona crown, wreath; akin to Gr. korw`nh anything curved, crown; cf. also L. 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 incorruptible.
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.
&fist; 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.