Part 455

Joist (joist), n. [OE. giste, OF. giste, F. gîte, fr. gesir to lie, F. gésir. See Gist.] (Arch.) A piece of timber laid horizontally, or nearly so, to which the planks of the floor, or the laths or furring strips of a ceiling, are nailed; -- called, according to its position or use, binding joist, bridging joist, ceiling joist, trimming joist, etc. See Illust. of Double-framed floor, under Double, a.

Joist, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Joisted; p. pr. & vb. n. Joisting.] To fit or furnish with joists. Johnson.

Joke, n. [L. jocus. Cf Jeopardy, Jocular, Juggler.]

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.

2. (Card Playing) See Best bower, under 2d Bower.

Jok"ing*ly, adv. In a joking way; sportively.

{ Jole, Joll } (?), v. t. & n. Same as Jowl. Shak.

Jol*if" (?), a. [See Jolly.] Joyful; merry; pleasant; jolly. [Obs.] Chaucer.

Jol`li*fi*ca"tion (?), n. [Jolly + L. -ficare (in comp.) to make. See -fy.] A merrymaking; noisy festivity. [Colloq.]

We have had a jollification or so together.

Sir W. Scott.

Jol"li*ly (?), adv. In a jolly manner.

Jol"li*ment (?), n. Jollity. [Obs.] Spenser.

Jol"li*ness, n. Jollity; noisy mirth. Chaucer.