any of the Old French epic poems of the 12th to 14th cent., esp. one connected with the exploits of Charlemagne and his knights, as the Chanson de Roland (Song of Roland)
See chanson de geste in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(də zhĕstˈ)
nounpl.chansons de geste
Any of more than 80 Old French epic poems of the 11th to the 14th centuries celebrating the deeds of historical or legendary figures, especially the exploits of Charlemagne and his successors.