A medieval martial competition where two mounted knights charged at each other with lances, attempting to unhorse their opponent. Jousts evolved from military training into elaborate courtly spectacles that demonstrated chivalric values and entertained nobility.
From Old French jouste, derived from Latin iuxtare meaning 'to approach' or 'come together.' The word originally described the act of meeting in combat, gradually specializing to mean this specific form of mounted combat by the 12th century.
What began as deadly serious military training became medieval Europe's equivalent of professional sports—complete with celebrity knights, international tournaments, and massive betting! King Henry II of France died in 1559 from a jousting accident, effectively ending the sport's golden age and proving that even royal participation couldn't make it safe.
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