jester

American  

[jes-ter] / ˈdʒɛs tər /

noun

1. a person who is given to witticisms, jokes, and pranks.

2. a professional fool or clown, especially at a medieval court.

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jester British  

/ ˈdʒɛstə /

noun

1. a professional clown employed by a king or nobleman, esp at courts during the Middle Ages

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Etymology

Origin of jester

First recorded in 1325–75, jester is from the Middle English word gester. See gest, -er ¹

Example Sentences

Working on a serious documentary didn’t stop Jackson from his activities as a harsh and relentless internet jester.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s shifted over the years — there were stilt walkers for a bit, and Sawdust’s historical site notes there was once a mascot in “Jelf,” part jester, part elf.

From Los Angeles Times

This jester from an alternative universe seems genuinely concerned about the common, ordinary unhappiness of perfect strangers.

From Los Angeles Times

Though mean-spirited, the jester Rigoletto — Verdi’s hapless, vengeful hunchback — wins our hearts as the outsider whom a heartless world so often abuses.

From Los Angeles Times

Actor Ben Starr, accepting the award on the developer's behalf, approached the stage in make-up and a jester's hat - an outfit inspired by the game's character Jimbo.

From BBC

Related Words

• clown
• jokester