Definition

1. Noun:

   • A combat between two mounted knights using lances: A formal contest, historically part of a medieval tournament, where two knights on horseback charge at each other with lances, each attempting to unseat the other.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To engage in a joust: To fight on horseback with lances against an opponent as part of a formal contest or tournament.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The final joust of the tournament was a spectacular display of skill.
  • In the historical reenactment, the knights prepared for a ceremonial joust.

• Verb:

  • The two champions will joust for the title tomorrow afternoon.
  • Knights would often joust to prove their valor and win favor.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: The word can be used figuratively to describe a heated argument, debate, or competition between two people or groups.
  • The two politicians jousted verbally during the live debate.
  • The rival companies continue to joust for market dominance.

Variants and Related Words

• Jouster (noun): A person who takes part in a joust; a knight who jousts.
  • The most famous jouster of his time won many tournaments.

Synonyms

• Tilt (verb/noun): A synonym for joust, especially in historical contexts.
  • They agreed to tilt for the honor of the lady.
• Tourney (verb, archaic): To take part in a tournament, which includes jousting.

Related Phrases

• To break a lance: An idiom related to jousting, meaning to enter into a dispute or argument for a cause.
  • He was always ready to break a lance for social justice.

Noun

1. a combat between two mounted knights tilting against each other with blunted lances

Verb

1. joust against somebody in a tournament by fighting on horseback