joke

JOKE, n. [L. jocus.]

1. A jest; something said for the sake of exciting a laugh; something witty or sportive; raillery. A jealous person will rarely bear a joke.

2. An illusion; something not real, or to no purpose.

Inclose whole downs in walls,'tis all a joke!

In joke, in jest; for the sake of raising a laugh; not in earnest.

JOKE, v.i. [L. jocor.] To jest; to be merry in words or actions.

JOKE, v.t. To rally; to cast jokes at; to make merry with.