Gĭst, n.

(jĭst), n. [O. Fr. giste, abode, lodgings, gist, situated, placed, from gésir, to lie; Pr. jazer, Lat. jacēre. Cf. AGIST.] 1. A resting place. [Obs.] These quails have their set gists; to wit, ordinary resting and baiting places. Holland. 2. (In this sense sometimes pronounced jĭt.) The main point of a question; the point on which an action rests; the pith of a matter; as, the gist of a question.