gladiator
NounSynonyms:
prizefighter
WordNet 3.0
Noun (2)
- (ancient Rome) a professional combatant or a captive who entertained the public by engaging in mortal combat
- a professional boxerSynonyms: prizefighter
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Gladiator \Glad"i*a`tor\, n. [L., fr. gladius sword. See Glaive.]
1.Originally, a swordplayer; hence, one who fought with weapons in public, either on the occasion of a funeral ceremony, or in the arena, for public amusement. [1913 Webster]
2.One who engages in any fierce combat or controversy. Gladiatorial