crestfallen

Definition

Sad because of a disappointment.

Etymology

From crest + fallen, from the appearance of a horse with its crest (head) on its chest after defeat in a battle.

Example Sentences

• "Tom's cheeks burned. He gathered himself up and sneaked off, crushed and crestfallen."
• "Gregson looked quite crest-fallen."
• "Hall tried to convey everything by grimaces and dumb show, but Mrs. Hall was obdurate. She raised her voice. So Hall and Henfrey, rather crestfallen, tiptoed back to the bar, gesticulating to explain to her."