gist

[ jist ]
/ dʒɪst /

noun

the main or essential part of a matter: What was the gist of his speech?
the ground of a legal action.

Origin of gist

1720–30; < Anglo-French ( cest action) gist (this matter) lies, 3rd singular present indicative of Anglo-French, Old French gesir to lie ≪ Latin jacēre

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH gist

gist jest just

Example sentences from the Web for gist

British Dictionary definitions for gist

gist
/ (dʒɪst) /

noun

the point or substance of an argument, speech, etc
law the essential point of an action

Word Origin for gist

C18: from Anglo-French, as in cest action gist en this action consists in, literally: lies in, from Old French gésir to lie, from Latin jacēre, from jacere to throw