Definition
caestuses
noun
- Plural of caestus; leather straps or gloves studded with metal, worn by ancient Roman boxers for protection and to inflict injury.
Usage: historical; often used in classical contexts
Examples
- Roman gladiators wore caestuses during boxing matches in the arena.
- The caestuses were reinforced with iron studs to increase their striking power.
- Ancient boxers wrapped caestuses around their hands and forearms for protection.
- Archaeologists discovered remnants of caestuses in the ruins of Roman amphitheaters.
- The use of caestuses in combat made Roman boxing far more brutal than modern boxing.