jousting
jousting Lexical Profile
jousting Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A medieval martial sport and tournament event in which two mounted knights charge at each other with blunted lances in an attempt to unhorse or strike the opponent.
"Spectators at the historical festival gathered around the arena to watch the afternoon jousting."
Spirited verbal contention, debate, or lively competition between rivals for superiority or advantage.
"The press conference quickly turned into a session of verbal jousting between the two political candidates."
• verb
To engage in a medieval tournament or martial contest on horseback using lances.
"Costumed performers were jousting in the courtyard as part of the castle's summer exhibition."
To compete or contend spiritedly with someone for superiority, influence, or position, especially through verbal debate.
"Several major technology firms are jousting for dominance in the emerging renewable energy market."
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the Middle English verb 'jousten', borrowed from Old French 'joster' ('to come together, meet in combat'), which ultimately traces back to Vulgar Latin 'iuxtare' ('to approach'), from Latin 'iuxta' ('beside, near').