1. an ancient Greek athletic contest combining wrestling and boxing
Usage: historical

Examples

• The pancratium was one of the most brutal events in the ancient Olympic Games.
• Athletes who competed in the pancratium needed skills in both wrestling and boxing.
• The pancratium allowed almost any fighting technique except biting and eye-gouging.
• Winners of the pancratium were considered among the toughest athletes in ancient Greece.
• The pancratium was introduced to the Olympics in 648 BCE.