1. Plural of palaestra; ancient Greek or Roman schools or gymnasiums where athletes trained and young men received physical and intellectual education.
Usage: historical; classical antiquity; often capitalized when referring to specific institutions

Examples

• The palestrae of ancient Athens were centers of both physical training and philosophical discussion.
• Young Roman boys attended palestrae to learn wrestling, boxing, and other athletic skills.
• Archaeological excavations have revealed the remains of several palestrae throughout the Mediterranean region.
• The palestrae served as important social institutions where elite youth prepared for citizenship and military service.
• Plato's Academy and other palestrae influenced the development of Western education.