1. plural of palaestra; ancient Greek or Roman schools for athletic training, especially wrestling
Usage: historical; classical antiquity

Examples

• The palaestrae of ancient Athens were centers of both physical and intellectual education.
• Young men gathered in the palaestrae to practice wrestling and discuss philosophy.
• Archaeological excavations have uncovered the remains of several palaestrae in Pompeii.
• The palaestrae served as important social gathering places in Greek cities.
• Students would oil their bodies before training in the palaestrae.
• Many palaestrae featured courtyards surrounded by covered walkways.