AGONISTICI, in antiquity, a name given by Donatus to those of his sect, whom he sent into the neighboring places, fairs, markets, etc., to preach his doctrine; for which reason they were also called Circuitores, Cercelliones, Carpites, Coropites, and at Rome, Montenses. They were called agonistici, from the Greek agon, combat; in regard they were sent as it were to fight and subdue the people to their opinions.
