jest (jĕst)
n.

1. A playful or amusing act; a prank. See synonyms at joke.
2. A frolicsome or frivolous mood: spoken in jest.
3. An object of ridicule; a laughingstock.
4. A witty remark.

v., jest·ed, jest·ing, jests.

v.intr.

1. To act or speak playfully.
2. To make witty remarks.
3. To utter scoffs; gibe.

v.tr.
To make fun of; ridicule.

[Middle English geste, tale, from Old French, from Latin gesta, deeds, from neuter pl. past participle of gerere, to perform.]

jestingly jest'ing·ly adv.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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