1. Something said for the sake of exciting a laugh; something witty or
sportive (commonly indicating more of hilarity or humor than jest); a
jest; a witticism; as, to crack good-natured jokes.
And gentle dullness ever loves a joke.
Pope.
Or witty joke our airy senses moves To pleasant laughter.
Gay.
2. Something not said seriously, or not actually meant; something done
in sport.
Inclose whole downs in walls, 't is all a joke.
Pope.
In joke, in jest; sportively; not meant seriously. -- Practical joke.
See under Practical.
Joke, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Joked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Joking.] To make
merry with; to make jokes upon; to rally; to banter; as, to joke a
comrade.
Joke, v. i. [L. jocari.] To do something for sport, or as a joke; to be
merry in words or actions; to jest.
He laughed, shouted, joked, and swore.
Macaulay.
Syn. -- To jest; sport; rally; banter. See Jest.
Jok"er (?), n. 1. One who makes jokes or jests; a humorist; a wag.