geste

Geste is a French noun with multiple related meanings. In contemporary usage, it denotes a movement or expression by the body or hand—a gesture—and, by extension, an action or act, especially one considered notable or deliberate, as in “un petit geste.” Historically, geste also carried the sense of a heroic deed or feat.

Chanson de geste is a medieval literary genre of Old French epic poetry. In this sense, geste means “deed” or “feat.” These works celebrate collective heroism, public virtue, and the exploits of legendary kings and knights, often centered on Charlemagne and the Matter of France. They are typically long, formula-driven narratives transmitted orally by troubadours or jongleurs and later written down. The best-known example is The Song of Roland. The chansons de geste played a foundational role in the development of French epic and romance traditions, spanning roughly from the 11th to the 15th centuries.

In modern usage, geste remains common as “gesture” or “act.” It can describe physical movements as well as socially meaningful actions, such as “faire un geste,” “un geste généreux,” or “un geste politique.” The word thus bridges everyday language and literary history, reflecting its roots in the idea of notable acts and their outward expression. Etymologically, geste originates from Old French, itself derived from Latin gestus, meaning bearing or manner.