1. To take part in a merrymaking; -- especially, to act in a mask or
interlude. [Obs.] Shak.
2. To make merriment by words or actions; to joke; to make light of
anything.
He jests at scars that never felt a wound.
Shak.
Syn. -- To joke; sport; rally. -- To Jest, Joke. One jests in order to
make others laugh; one jokes to please himself. A jest is usually at
the expense of another, and is often ill-natured; a joke is a sportive
sally designed to promote good humor without wounding the feelings of
its object. "Jests are, therefore, seldom harmless; jokes frequently
allowable. The most serious subject may be degraded by being turned
into a jest." Crabb.