-gladi-

n. [ L., fr. gladius sword. See Glaive. ] 1. Originally, a swordplayer; hence, one who fought with weapons in public, either on the occasion of a funeral ceremony, or in the arena, for public amusement. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One who engages in any fierce combat or controversy.

{ } a. Of or pertaining to gladiators, or to contests or combatants in general. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The art or practice of a gladiator. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Conduct, state, or art, of a gladiator. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. gladiatorius. ] Gladiatorial. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. gladiatura. ] Swordplay; fencing; gladiatorial contest. Gayton. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. gladiolus a small sword, the sword lily, dim. of gladius sword. See Glaive. ] (Bot.) A lilylike plant, of the genus Gladiolus; -- called also corn flag. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. L. Gladioli E. Gladioluses [ L. See Gladiole. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. (Bot.) A genus of plants having bulbous roots and gladiate leaves, and including many species, some of which are cultivated and valued for the beauty of their flowers; the corn flag; the sword lily. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Anat.) The middle portion of the sternum in some animals; the mesosternum. [ 1913 Webster ]