Joust

A combat between two mounted knights tilting at each other with lances, usually as part of a tournament. Beyond the medieval context, "joust" can also describe a figurative contest or competition, especially one characterized by skillful maneuvering or verbal sparring. It often implies a display of honor, courage, and skill. Historically, it was a highly ritualized event with strict rules and elaborate ceremonies. Today, the term is often employed metaphorically to depict any situation involving direct confrontation, competition, or a contest of wills, particularly one characterized by precision and strategy.

Joust meaning with examples

• At the medieval fair, the crowd roared as the two knights lowered their lances and charged toward each other in a dramatic joust. The clang of steel and the thud as one knight was unseated filled the air, leaving spectators cheering as it had come down to honor and skill. The winner, Sir Reginald, was then presented with the King's favor and the cheers continued.
• In a political joust of wills, the two candidates debated fiercely, each trying to outmaneuver the other with well-crafted arguments and clever sound bites. The moderator struggled to keep order as the candidates butted heads with their contrasting opinions. Viewers took note as they kept tally of who they felt was 'winning' and whose views they felt were more convincing.
• The lawyers engaged in a fierce legal joust, presenting evidence and cross-examining witnesses with ruthless efficiency in a battle of evidence and facts. The courtroom was electric with tension as each side attempted to dismantle the other's case in a high-stakes courtroom drama. The jury was left to decide who was victorious, the verdict to be delivered in days.
• The debate between the scientists was a joust of ideas, with each presenting their research and critiquing their opponent's findings with impressive intellectual prowess. Both researchers sought to prove their theories as superior, in a way, 'winning' the crowd of peer's acceptance by delivering irrefutable facts. It made the presentation incredibly thought provoking.