— jestful , adj. — jestingly , adv.
/jest/ , n.
1. a joke or witty remark; witticism.
2. a bantering remark; a piece of good-natured ridicule; taunt.
3. sport or fun: to speak half in jest, half in earnest.
4. the object of laughter, sport, or mockery; laughing-stock.
5. Obs. an exploit. Cf. gest .
v.i.
6. to speak in a playful, humorous, or facetious way; joke.
7. to speak or act in mere sport, rather than in earnest; trifle (often fol. by with ): Please don't jest with me.
8. to utter derisive speeches; gibe or scoff.
v.t.
9. to deride or joke at; banter.
[ 1250-1300; ME; var. sp. of GEST ]
Syn. 1. quip. See joke. 2. jape, gibe. 4. butt.