topknotted

8.2

Having a small bunch of feathers or hair on top of the head

adjective
/ˈtɑpˌnɑtɪd/

: con cresta

I spotted a topknotted owl perched high in the tree, its tufted head feathers standing proudly.

Examples

The topknotted cockatoo displayed its striking feathers during the performance.
The artist painted a beautiful topknotted bird sitting on a branch, showcasing its colorful plumage.
If you tap a shaven and topknotted head, you will hear the sound of retrogression; if you tap an unshaven head, you will hear the sound of the Restoration; but if you tap a close-cropped head of hair, you will hear the sound of culture and enlightenment.

Academic text (1999)

Synonyms

plumed

vstopknotted

1 6.7

Having feathers on a bird or used as decoration on clothing

can be hair or feathers and is usually smaller

crested

vstopknotted

1 6.1

Having a small raised tuft on the head, like some birds or plants

is a small top bunch rather than a full ridge

pileated

vstopknotted

Specialized

1 8.6

With a crest of feathers on the head like a woodpecker

has a small decorative bunch only on the top

tufted

vstopknotted

1 5.5

Having small bunches of hair or feathers on it

is a single ornamental bunch located only on the top

How Crested

plumed

1 6.7

crested

1 6.1

topknotted

8.2

tufted

1 5.5

bareheaded

1 3.9

Surface Forms

topknotted positive

Morphology

topknotted = topknot (transparent) = top + knot + ed

Formed by the noun 'topknot' + the adjectival/participial suffix '-ed', meaning 'having a topknot'; the derivation and meaning are straightforward.

Etymology

Topknotted comes from top ('top') and knot ('tied bunch'), so imagine a small 'bun' or tied tuft sitting on the top of the head; and that's a helpful picture to remember the word. That's why a topknotted bird or animal has a noticeable tuft or plume on its head.