EnglishExamples
- //a gentle jester, the cartoonist more often tries to evoke a broad smile than a hearty guffaw
- //the king called for some much-needed entertainment from his jester
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1History and Etymology
Middle English gestour "reciter of romances, minstrel, entertainer," from gesten "to recite romances" + -our -er entry 2 — more at jest entry 2jester
noun
Synonyms
- a person (as a writer) noted for or specializing in humor //a gentle jester, the cartoonist more often tries to evoke a broad smile than a hearty guffawSynonyms
- a person formerly kept in a royal or noble household to amuse with jests and pranks //the king called for some much-needed entertainment from his jester
Examples
- //a gentle jester, the cartoonist more often tries to evoke a broad smile than a hearty guffaw
- //the king called for some much-needed entertainment from his jester
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1History and Etymology
Middle English gestour "reciter of romances, minstrel, entertainer," from gesten "to recite romances" + -our -er entry 2 — more at jest entry 2jester
noun
Synonyms
- a person (as a writer) noted for or specializing in humor //a gentle jester, the cartoonist more often tries to evoke a broad smile than a hearty guffawSynonyms
- a person formerly kept in a royal or noble household to amuse with jests and pranks //the king called for some much-needed entertainment from his jester