A variant or archaic term, possibly referring to a gesture or a type of historical narrative (like a 'gesta' or deed).
Possibly from Latin gesta 'deeds' or gesto 'to bear/carry'; may be a dialectal or obsolete form of words related to action or narrative.
Medieval literature used 'gesta' to describe epic tales of heroes, which is where we get words like 'gestation'—both express the idea of something being carried or brought forth.
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