jest

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a joke or playful remark; to speak or act in fun

   He spoke in jest, but she took the words to heart.

From Middle English 'geste' ('a tale of exploits'), from Old French 'geste', from Latin 'gesta' ('deeds, exploits'), neuter plural of 'gestus', past participle of 'gerere' ('to carry on, perform'); the sense narrowed from 'narrative' to 'idle tale' to 'joke'.

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