retiarius

[ ree-shee-air-ee-uhs ]

noun

, Roman History.

, plural re·ti·ar·i·i [ree-shee-, air, -ee-ahy, -, air, -ee-ee].

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

retiarius

/ ˌriːtɪˈɛərɪəs; ˌriːʃɪ- /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of retiarius¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of retiarius¹

Latin, from rēte net

Example Sentences

The Retiarius endeavoured to throw the net over his antagonist, and then to despatch him with the spear.

From Project Gutenberg

The big gladiator sat still waiting for the retiarius to finish him.

From Project Gutenberg

"If a man is active without being strong, I should make a retiarius of him," Scopus said.

From Project Gutenberg

Suddenly, when Sporus had approached nearly at arm's length, the retiarius threw himself forward and cast his net.

From Project Gutenberg

The conquering retiarius withdrew his net, and leaning on his spear, looked to the audience for their judgment.

From Project Gutenberg