cestus

cestus — noun

1. an old word for a belt or sash worn by a woman, especially in classical stories

1.nounC2
Definition

an old word for a belt or sash worn by a woman, especially in classical stories or descriptions of ancient dress.

Example

The statue showed a jeweled cestus fastened over the goddess's flowing robe.

wear a cestus over a robe

In the museum case, the silk cestus lay beside a pair of bronze sandals.

Common collocations
  • jeweled cestus
  • gold cestus
  • wear a cestus
  • tie a cestus
Synonyms
  • girdle

    an old-fashioned literary word for a belt around the waist

  • sash

    usually a softer decorative band of cloth rather than a fixed historical term

  • belt

    the ordinary modern word; much less literary than cestus

Grammar Patterns

wear a cestus

tie a cestus around the waist

Usage Note

Mostly seen in translations of classical mythology or in descriptions of ancient costume. For ordinary modern clothing, English speakers normally say belt or sash instead.

2. a leather hand covering for ancient Roman fighters, often weighted with metal so

2.nounC2
Definition

a leather hand covering for ancient Roman fighters, often weighted with metal so it struck like a weapon.

Example

The boxer strapped a heavy cestus onto his fist before the Roman match.

strap a cestus onto the fist

In the mosaic, one fighter lifted a studded cestus above his shoulder.

Common collocations
  • heavy cestus
  • studded cestus
  • wear a cestus
  • fight with a cestus
Synonyms
  • gauntlet

    a protective armored glove, not specifically a Roman fighting weapon

  • brass knuckles

    a modern metal hand weapon with a similar damaging purpose

Grammar Patterns

wear a cestus on the hand

fight with a cestus

Usage Note

This is a historical term for brutal Roman boxing gear. Unlike a modern boxing glove, a cestus was designed to hurt the opponent rather than cushion the blow.

Etymology

First known use

1577

1577, in the meaning defined above Noun (2)