joust

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a formal combat or sporting contest in which two mounted opponents charge each other with lances

   The first joust ended when one knight was knocked from his horse.

2. 2
   verb

   historical: to fight in such a mounted contest with lances

   The two knights agreed to joust before the assembled court.

3. 3
   verb

   figurative: to compete, argue, or struggle with someone, especially for advantage or control

   The candidates continued to joust over tax policy during the debate.

Simplified etymology

Joust dates from Middle English and ultimately derives from Latin juxta, “near.” Its original sense involved bringing opponents near one another to join battle.

From Middle English jousten and Old French jouster, from a Vulgar Latin verb based on Latin iuxta ("close to, beside"). The sense developed from coming close or joining in combat; the modern figurative verb treats verbal or political rivalry as a mounted contest.

Topics

External links

• Google Images
• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary