Crossword Genius

Gag judge standing in for start of trial (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

jest

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'gag' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'judge standing in for start of trial' is the wordplay.
'judge' becomes 'j' (abbreviation for judge).
'standing in for' becomes 'es' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'start of' indicates taking the first letters.
The initial letter of 'trial' is 't'.
'j'+'es'+'t'='JEST'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for jest that I've seen before include "Humorous remark" , "it's not serious, so to speak" , "Witty remark" , "Jape, witticism" , "Sally" .)

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