palaestra

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun a public place in ancient Greece or Rome devoted to the training of wrestlers and other athletes

From Middle French palestre, from Old French, from Latin palaestra, from Ancient Greek παλαίστρα (palaístra, “wrestling school”).

Afterwards I challenged him to the palaestra; and he wrestled and closed with me several times when there was no one present; I fancied that I might succeed in this manner. — Symposium, Plato
Whether the habits of the palaestra are suitable to them is more doubtful, for the ordinary gymnastic is a sleepy sort of thing, and if left off suddenly is apt to endanger health. — The Republic, Plato

palestra

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