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.-anything having the shape of a crescent or new moon.-a representation of the increasing moon, often used as an emblem or badge-a symbol of artemis, or diana.-the ancient symbol of byzantium or constantinople.-the emblem of the turkish empire, adopted after the taking of constantinople.-any one of three orders of knighthood; the first instituted by charles i., king of naples and sicily, in 1268; the second by rene 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.-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.-shaped like a crescent.-increasing; growing.-to form into a crescent, or something resembling a crescent.-to adorn with crescents.