Crossword Genius

Jests go stale in time (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

badinage

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'jests go' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.

'stale in time' is the wordplay.
'stale' becomes 'bad' (similar in meaning).
'time' becomes 'age' (an age is a period of time).
'bad'+'in'+'age'='BADINAGE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for badinage that I've seen before include "joking" , "Beg Diana with good-humoured teasing" , "A big Dane given to banter" , "Wordplay" , "Frivolous backchat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app