chanson de geste

American  

[shahn-sawn duh zhest] / ʃɑ̃ sɔ̃ də ˈʒɛst /

noun

plural

chansons de geste

1. (in medieval French literature) an epic poem written in assonant verse or rhyme about historical or legendary events or figures.

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chanson de geste British  

/ ʃɑ̃sɔ̃ də ʒɛst /

noun

1. one of a genre of Old French epic poems celebrating heroic deeds, the most famous of which is the Chanson de Roland

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Etymology

Origin of chanson de geste

1865–70; < French: literally, song of deeds; chanson, gest

Example Sentences

What these bald statements mean the chanson de geste can tell us better.

From Project Gutenberg

The French chanson de geste of Huon de Bordeaux dates from the first half of the 13th century, and marks the transition between the epic chanson founded on national history and the roman d’aventures.

From Project Gutenberg

It is sufficient to say that the chanson de geste, as it is now extant, is the almost exclusive property of northern France.

From Project Gutenberg

Gaston Paris defined a chanson de geste as a song the subject of which is a series of historical facts or gesta.

From Project Gutenberg

William Short Nose is also from the chanson de geste of that hero.

From Project Gutenberg