retiarius

American  

[ree-shee-air-ee-uhs] / ˌri ʃiˈɛər i əs /

noun

Roman History.

plural

retiarii

1. a gladiator equipped with a net for casting over his opponent.

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retiarius British  

/ ˌriːtɪˈɛərɪəs, ˌriːʃɪ- /

noun

1. (in ancient Rome) a gladiator armed with a net and trident

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Etymology

Origin of retiarius

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin rēte “net” + -i-, connecting vowel + -ārius, noun suffix; rete ( def. ), -i- -ary ( def. )

Example Sentences

This giant was a supersize retiarius.

From Literature

In his hands were the weapons of a retiarius - a trident and a weighted net.

From Literature

Here, face downward, was a Samnite with his oblong shield; yonder lay a bare headed retiarius with his net and three-pointed lance.

From Project Gutenberg

Like as not, now, some toe-dancing stripling of a retiarius will entangle me in his net this very afternoon, and no mercy signal has been or will be given this day.

From Project Gutenberg

These classes, like the Thrax and Myrmillo, were usual antagonists, and had their name from the secutor following the retiarius, who eluded the pursuit until he found an opportunity to throw his net to advantage.

From Project Gutenberg