Gist

·noun A resting place.

II. Gist ·noun The main point, as of a question; the point on which an action rests; the pith of a matter; as, the gist of a question.

gist
The main point of a question or action; that on which it lies or turns.--Jamieson. A word introduced...

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.