Geast

/dʒist/ noun

Definition

An archaic or Middle English term for a great deed, exploit, or adventure; a story of heroic actions.

Etymology

From Old French 'geste' and Latin 'gesta' (deeds, actions). Evolved into 'jest' and 'jester' in modern English, but originally referred to grand tales of chivalry and adventure.

Kelly Says

Medieval poets called their epic adventure stories 'geasts'—like Chaucer's tales—and the word shows how storytelling about great deeds was so important that it got its own special name.

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