ATHLETA, in Antiquity a Wrestler, or a strong courageous Person, who employs himself in Exercises of the Body, as running, Wrestling, and other the like Gymnic Sports, for which the Ancients had established Prizes. See EXERCISE and GYMNASTIC. See also GAME, CIRCUS, etc.
The Athlete lived in continual Abstinence from Pleasures, to render themselves the more vigorous and robust. See ABSTINENCE.
The Word comes from the Greek ἀθλητής, of ἀθλέω, certo, pugno, contend, I fight. See COMBAT, GLADIATOR, etc.
ATIA See OPIO and ATRIA.
ATHLETA
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- Written by: Ephraïm Chambers
- Category: Unclassified