Etymology Map
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Joust

3 stages from Vulgar Latin to English.

Today it means to fight on horseback with lances; to compete or argue

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

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

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.