Jostle

/ˈdʒɑːsəl/ verb

Definition

To push or bump into someone, especially in a crowd; to move roughly or forcefully while competing for space.

Etymology

From Middle English 'justlen,' possibly from Old French 'juster' meaning to tilt or joust. The jostling in medieval jousting tournaments inspired the civilian word.

Kelly Says

When knights jousted they were doing medieval 'jostling'—the word comes from battles where fighters pushed each other around, now used for Black Friday shoppers!

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