1. A leather strap or binding, often weighted with metal, worn around the hand and forearm by ancient Roman boxers.
Usage: historical; also spelled 'cestus'
2. In classical mythology, a girdle or belt, especially the magical girdle of Aphrodite (Venus) that conferred beauty and charm.
Usage: classical mythology; also spelled 'cestus'

Examples

• Roman boxers wrapped the caestus around their hands before entering the arena.
• The caestus was often made of leather strips reinforced with lead or iron.
• In Homer's works, Aphrodite's caestus was said to make anyone who saw her fall in love.
• Ancient athletes trained extensively to master the use of the caestus in combat.
• The caestus differed from modern boxing gloves in both design and purpose.