from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Joke \Joke\, n. [L. jocus. Cf {Jeopardy}, {Jocular}, {Juggler}.]
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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.
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And gentle dullness ever loves a joke. --Pope.
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Or witty joke our airy senses moves
To pleasant laughter. --Gay.
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2. Something not said seriously, or not actually meant;
something done in sport.
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Inclose whole downs in walls, 't is all a joke.
--Pope.
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{In joke}, in jest; sportively; not meant seriously.
{Practical joke}. See under {Practical}.
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from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Practical \Prac"ti*cal\, a. [L. practicus active, Gr. ? fit for
doing or performing, practical, active, fr. ? to do, work,
effect: cf. F. pratique, formerly also practique. Cf.
{Pragmatic}, {Practice}.]
1. Of or pertaining to practice or action.
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2. Capable of being turned to use or account; useful, in
distinction from {ideal} or {theoretical}; as, practical
chemistry. "Man's practical understanding." --South. "For
all practical purposes." --Macaulay.
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3. Evincing practice or skill; capable of applying knowledge
to some useful end; as, a practical man; a practical mind.
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4. Derived from practice; as, practical skill.
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{Practical joke}, a joke put in practice; a joke the fun of
which consists in something done, in distinction from
something said; esp., a trick played upon a person.
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