# Jesse

/ˈdʒɛsi/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/jesse
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. biblical figure

noun · CEFR B2

the father of King David in the Bible.

For teachers: the son of Obed and the father of King David, as recorded in the Old Testament.

- In the Bible, Jesse was the father of the famous King David.
- The lineage of the Messiah is traditionally traced back to Jesse, a figure of central importance in Judeo-Christian genealogy.

### 2. artistic genealogy tree

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a piece of art, like a stained-glass window, that shows the family tree of Jesus.

For teachers: a representation of the genealogy of Christ in decorative art, often appearing as a branched tree or a large candlestick.

- The cathedral is famous for its beautiful Jesse window from the 12th century.
- The stonework above the altar featured an intricate Jesse tree, depicting the ancestors of Christ emerging from the sleeping figure of Jesse.

Usage: Often used in the compound 'Jesse tree' or 'Jesse window' when referring to specific architectural features.

## Examples

- The builder replaced the rotten jesse to save the roof.
- During the restoration of the old barn, the architects discovered that the main jesse had cracked under the weight of the snow.
- The structural integrity of the medieval hall relied on a massive oak jesse, which distributed the load from the secondary rafters across the stone walls.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.