1. A joke or a playful remark intended to amuse.
This is the most common meaning. Examples:
* "He told a jest about the clumsy waiter."
* "She made a jest about the weather."
2. To make a joke or a playful remark.
This is the verb form of the word. Examples:
* "The comedian jested about the audience."
* "He jested about his own mistakes."
3. A playful or humorous action.
This is a less common but valid meaning. Example:
* "She gave him a playful jest on the arm."
In essence, a jest is a lighthearted way to create amusement through humor, wordplay, or playful actions.