▪ I. † ˈgester Obs.
Forms: 4–5 gestour(e, (gestiour, jestour, 5 gestowre), 5 gester. See also jester.
[f. gest v.1 + -er1.]
A professional reciter or singer of romances.
| c 1380 Antecrist in Todd 3 Treat. Wyclif 128 Þei sitten in castels & townes wiþ mynstralcie & lauȝ tur, wiþ tregetours & tomblers, wiþ gestours & japeres. c 1384 Chaucer H. Fame iii. 108 All manner of minstrales, And jestours, that tellen tales. 1387 Trevisa Higden (Rolls) IV. 101 Poetes and gestoures [L. carminatores] uppon a pulpet rehersede poysees, gestes and songes. c 1440 Promp. Parv. 191/2 Gestowre, gesticulator. c 1460 Launfal 430 Launfal..Fyfty fedde povere gestes..Fyfty clodede gestours. 1496 Dives & Paup. (W. de W.) i. iv. 36/1 His dedes ben tolde of heraudes and gestours. |
▪ II. gester
obs. form of gesture, v.