/jist/ , n.
1. the main or essential part of a matter: What was the gist of his speech?
2. the ground of a legal action.
[ 1720-30; cest action ) gist (this matter) lies, 3rd sing. pres. indic. of AF, OF gesir to lie jacere ]
Syn. 1. essence, point, substance, burden, kernel, import.