jest
noun
a joke or witty remark; witticism.
were jesting
-
past progressiveof jest.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The violoncello and the piano were jesting together on a pastoral theme, full of caresses and of simple and lively tenderness.
From The Saint by William Roscoe Thayer
I gave thought to but two things: that you were jesting, or that you were in need of a gentleman as well as a man of courage.
From A Splendid Hazard by Harold MacGrath
“No, not even Shunks,” replied the captain, with a sternly-humorous look, as if he thought the visitor were jesting.
From The Battery and the Boiler Adventures in Laying of Submarine Electric Cables by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne
When he heard what had happened he declared they were jesting.
From L'Assommoir by Émile Zola
“And what were you queen of?” asked her father, who was plainly under the impression that his children were jesting.
From The Island Queen by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne
