jesté

Jesté is a French word that translates to "jester" or "fool" in English. Historically, jesters were entertainers employed in the courts of royalty and nobility during the medieval and Renaissance periods. Their primary role was to amuse their patrons through a variety of performance arts, including juggling, storytelling, music, and acrobatics.

Jesters often occupied a unique position within the court, possessing a license to speak freely and critique societal norms or even the monarch without severe repercussions. This was due to their perceived role as figures of harmless amusement, whose criticisms were often couched in wit and satire. They could highlight absurdities and offer a different perspective that others might not dare to express.

While the term "jesté" specifically refers to the individual, it can also evoke the broader concept of jesting or lighthearted mockery. The image of the jesté has persisted in popular culture, often depicted in literature, theatre, and film as a colorful, witty, and sometimes melancholic character. The modern understanding of a jesté is often associated with a comedic performer, though their historical context was more complex, involving social commentary as well as entertainment.