gymnasium

Gym*na"si*um n.; pl. E. Gymnasiums, L. Gymnasia. Etym: [L., fr. Gr. 1. A place or building where athletic exercises are performed; a school for gymnastics. 2. A school for the higher branches of literature and science; a preparatory school for the university; -- used esp. of German schools of this kind. More like ordinary schools of gymnasia than universities. Hallam.

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