cestus

1 of 2

noun (1)

ces·​tus ˈse-stəs How to pronounce cestus (audio)
plural cesti ˈse-ˌstī How to pronounce cestus (audio)
: a woman's belt
especially : a symbolic one worn by a bride

cestus

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a hand covering of leather bands often loaded with lead or iron and used by boxers in ancient Rome

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Latin, girdle, belt, from Greek kestos, from kestos stitched, from kentein to prick — more at center

Noun (2)

Latin cestus, caestus

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1577, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1709, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cestus was in 1577

Dictionary Entries Near cestus

Cite this Entry

“Cestus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cestus. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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