A joke or something said or done to make people laugh, often at someone's expense.
From Old French 'geste' meaning a deed or exploit, which evolved to mean a witty remark or trick performed for entertainment. The meaning shifted from describing brave deeds to describing clever tricks and jokes.
Medieval jesters weren't just comedians—they were the only people allowed to publicly mock kings and nobles! Their jokes often contained hidden criticism that the ruler couldn't punish without looking foolish.
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