joust

Where does the word "joust" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin juxtare, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

Joust’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: juxtare meant “to come together.” From 'juxta', near, side by side. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as juster. Used for two knights riding together to meet in combat. It reached English by 1300s as joust. Now also used for any competitive verbal sparring. Today, joust means to fight on horseback with lances; to compete or argue.

1. Stage 1 · Vulgar Latin · ancient juxtare "to come together", from 'juxta', near, side by side.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval juster "to fight on horseback", used for two knights riding together to meet in combat.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1300s joust "to fight with lances on horseback", now also used for any competitive verbal sparring.