jest > define

noun

• A humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter.
  • usage: "he told a very funny joke"; "he knows a million gags"; "thanks for the laugh"; "he laughed unpleasantly at his own jest"; "even a schoolboy's jape is supposed to have some ascertainable point"
  • synonyms: joke, gag, laugh, jape
• Activity characterized by good humor.
  • synonyms: joke, jocularity

verb

• Tell a joke; speak humorously.
  • usage: "He often jokes even when he appears serious"
  • synonyms: joke
• Act in a funny or teasing way.
  • synonyms: joke

• (v.i.) To make merriment by words or actions; to joke; to make light of anything.
• (v.i.) The object of laughter or sport; a laughingstock.
• (n.) A deed; an action; a gest.
• (n.) A mask; a pageant; an interlude.
• (n.) Something done or said in order to amuse; a joke; a witticism; a jocose or sportive remark or phrase. See Synonyms under Jest, v. i.
• (v.i.) To take part in a merrymaking; -- especially, to act in a mask or interlude.