gest

Or geste

[jest]

noun

1. a story or tale.

2. a deed or exploit.

3. Archaic.,  a metrical romance or history.

gest

/ dʒɛst /

noun

1. a notable deed or exploit

2. a tale of adventure or romance, esp in verse See also chanson de geste

Word History and Origins

Origin of gest¹

1250–1300; Middle English < Old French geste action, exploit < Latin gesta exploits, neuter plural past participle of gerere to carry on, perform

Word History and Origins

Origin of gest¹

C14: from Old French, from Latin gesta deeds, from gerere to carry out

Example Sentences

If a phrase sparks the gest of song memory endures longer — like the hum of a taut string in the dark.

Read more on New York Times

King Horn is a heroic poem or gest of 1546 lines dating from the 13th century.

Read more on Project Gutenberg