It would seem that the word Geste is from Old French and it is where our word Jest originates. So, is this the true meaning of the Geste, that it is a joke
version of the story. Perhaps this is why certain aspects of it are plainly incorrect, particularly the geographical reference to Watling Street and other
places. Perhaps it was a deliberate ploy, by the authorities, to 'move the signposts' as a way of discrediting the story, and the publishers were
actually commissioned to produce them; after all, the majority of Wynkyn de Worde's (and probasbly Jan van Doesbroch's) work was in publishing
religious tracts and pamphlets.
I think the idea that the word Geste in context of the legend refers to 'deed', as in gesture, seems very strained.
I would be very interested to know what others think.
Gest/Geste, true or not?
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 nybor edoh |
Gest/Geste, true or not? |
Lead | |
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Posts: 6 (01/06/08 17:57:00) |
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Grammar Hammer |
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Posts: 75 (01/07/08 06:52:13) |
Jest originally meant simply an entertainment or amusement-not necessarily a joke. That meaning came later.
"I'd like to be a pessimist, but this is a luxury I
cannot afford."
Mother Hubbard Queen of the Grammar Hammers |
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Graham P Kirkby |
Jest | ||
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Posts: 402 (01/07/08 14:11:35) |
c.1300, "narrative of exploits" (originally in
verse), from O.Fr. geste "action, exploit," from L. gesta "deeds," neut. pl. of gestus, pp. of gerere "to carry, behave, act,
perform." Sense descended through "idle tale" (c.1470) to "mocking speech, raillery" (c.1548) to "joke" (1551). The verb in
the sense of "to speak in a trifling manner" is from 1530. Jester developed from M.E. gestour "a minstrel, professional reciter of
romances" (c.1380), from gesten "recite a tale," which was a jester's original function; sense of "buffoon in a prince's
court" is from 1510.
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=jest
"Truth will always be truth, regardless of lack of understanding, disbelief or ignorance."
W. Clement Stone |
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nybor edoh |
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Posts: 10 (01/11/08 20:43:41) |
Just testing.
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