retiarius

[ ree-shee-air-ee-uhs ]

/ ˌri ʃiˈɛər i əs /

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noun, plural re·ti·ar·i·i

[ree-shee-air-ee-ahy, -air-ee-ee]. /ˌri ʃiˈɛər iˌaɪ, -ˈɛər iˌi/. Roman History.

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

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Origin of retiarius

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin rēte “net” + -i-, connecting vowel + -ārius, noun suffix; see origin at rete, -i- -ary

Words nearby retiarius

rete testis, rete venosum, rethink, Rethondes, Réti, retiarius, retiary, reticence, reticent, reticle, reticul-

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use retiarius in a sentence

The Retiarius endeavoured to throw the net over his antagonist, and then to despatch him with the spear.
Valeria|William Henry Withrow
The big gladiator sat still waiting for the retiarius to finish him.
We Can't Have Everything|Rupert Hughes
"If a man is active without being strong, I should make a retiarius of him," Scopus said.
Beric the Briton|G. A. Henty
Suddenly, when Sporus had approached nearly at arm's length, the retiarius threw himself forward and cast his net.
Library Of The World's Best Literature, Ancient And Modern, Vol 6|Various

The conquering retiarius withdrew his net, and leaning on his spear, looked to the audience for their judgment.
Library Of The World's Best Literature, Ancient And Modern, Vol 6|Various

British Dictionary definitions for retiarius

retiarius

/ (ˌriːtɪˈɛərɪəs, ˌriːʃɪ-) /

noun plural -arii (-ˈɛərɪˌaɪ)

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

Word Origin for retiarius

Latin, from rēte net

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012