gist
[ jist ]
/ dʒɪst /
noun
the main or essential part of a matter: What was the gist of his speech?
the ground of a legal action.
Nearby words
Origin of gist
1720–30; < Anglo-French (cest action) gist (this matter) lies, 3rd singular present indicative of Anglo-French, Old French gesir to lie ≪ Latin jacēre
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Examples from the Web for gist
British Dictionary definitions for gist
gist
/ (dʒɪst) /
noun
the point or substance of an argument, speech, etc
law the essential point of an action
Word Origin for gist
C18: from Anglo-French, as in cest action gist en this action consists in, literally: lies in, from Old French gésir to lie, from Latin jacēre, from jacere to throw
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Word Origin and History for gist
gist
1711, "the real point" (of a law case, etc.), from Anglo-French legalese phrases, e.g. cest action gist "this action lies," meaning "this case is sustainable by law," from Old French gist en "it consists in, it lies in" (third person singular present indicative of gésir "to lie"), from Latin iacet "it lies," from iacere "to lie, rest," related to iacere "to throw" (see jet (v.)). Extended sense of "essence" first recorded 1823.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper