ˈjist noun
( -s )
Etymology: Anglo-French, it lies (said of a legal action), from Middle French, 3d person singular present indicative of gesir to lie, from Latin jacēre to lie, from jacere to throw — more at jet (to spout)
1. : the ground or foundation of a legal action without which it would not be sustainable
2. : the main point or material part (as of a question or debate) : the pith of a matter : essence
the gist of a question
the gist of all that can be said upon the matter — R.L.Stevenson