Final answer:
The phrase 'while the nurse laughed' helps explain the meaning of 'jeered,' indicating a mocking or scornful reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase which helps explain the meaning of the word "jeered" from the provided selection is "while the nurse laughed". Jeering is typically associated with mocking or making fun of someone, often in a loud or boisterous manner.
In the context of the passage, the court is mocking Rumplestiltskin for his futile effort and display of anger, which is further exemplified by the nurse's laughter, indicating a scornful or derisive reaction from those around him.
The phrase that helps explain the meaning of the word 'jeered' is 'the court jeered at him for having had so much trouble for nothing'. In this context, 'jeered' means to mock or ridicule someone derisively or in a scornful manner.
The court was making fun of the little man because he had gone through a lot of trouble for nothing.