Jester
Jester
Jester (/ˈdʒɛstər/), also known as a fool, buffoon, or clown, is a historical figure that was employed to entertain a sovereign, monarch, or other nobleman in medieval and Tudor times. The term is derived from the Latin gestātor, meaning "one who carries or bears".
Etymology
The term "jester" is derived from the Latin word gestātor. The Latin term was borrowed into Old French as gestour, a word that was eventually transformed into jestour in Middle English. The term was then anglicized to "jester" in Modern English.
Role and Function
The jester's role was to entertain his master and the court with stories, jokes, and physical comedy. They were also known to use their wit to criticize their master or the court in a way that others could not, under the guise of humor. Jesters often wore brightly colored clothing and a distinctive hat with bells, known as a fool's cap.
Related Terms
- Fool: A person who acts unwisely or imprudently; a silly person. In the context of a court, a fool is similar to a jester, providing entertainment through humor and wit.
- Buffoon: A ridiculous but amusing person; a clown. Like jesters, buffoons were employed to entertain, often through exaggerated behavior or slapstick comedy.
- Clown: A comic entertainer, especially one in a circus, wearing a traditional costume and exaggerated makeup. While not historically linked to jesters, clowns serve a similar purpose in modern entertainment.
- Sovereign: A supreme ruler, especially a monarch. Sovereigns were often the employers of jesters.
- Monarch: A sovereign head of state, especially a king, queen, or emperor. Monarchs, like sovereigns, were often the employers of jesters.
- Fool's cap: A cap with bells worn by a jester or fool.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Jester
- Wikipedia's article - Jester
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