JOKE

joke. Joke, v.i. to jest, to be merry; n. a jest, mirth

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Joke, n. [[L. jocus. Cf Jeopardy, Jocular, Juggler.]] 1. 1. Something said for the sake of exciting a laugh; something witty or sportive (commonly indicating more of hilarity or humor than jest); a jest; a witticism; as, to crack good-natured jokes.
And gentle dullness ever loves a joke. Pope. Or witty joke our airy senses moves To pleasant laughter. Gay. 2. 2. Something not said seriously, or not actually meant; something done in sport.
Inclose whole downs in walls, 't is all a joke. Pope. In joke, in jest; sportively; not meant seriously. — Practical joke. See under Practical.