1. plural of cestus; leather straps or belts worn by ancient boxers and wrestlers, often weighted with metal or studs for added force
Usage: historical; usually used in plural form
2. plural of cestus; ornamental belts or girdles worn in ancient times, especially by women
Usage: historical; archaic

Examples

• Ancient Roman boxers wrapped cesti around their hands and forearms before entering the ring.
• The gladiators donned their cesti as part of their combat preparation.
• Archaeological finds have revealed the construction of cesti used in ancient athletic competitions.
• Warriors in antiquity relied on cesti to increase the damage of their punches.
• The museum displayed replicas of cesti worn by athletes in the classical period.