GLADIATOR

gladiator

(noun) (ancient Rome) a professional combatant or a captive who entertained the public by engaging in mortal combat

prizefighter, gladiator

(noun) a professional boxer

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

gladiator (plural gladiators)

(in ancient Rome) A person (professional or slave) who entertained the public by engaging in mortal combat with another, or with a wild animal.

(by extension) A disputant in a public controversy or debate.

A professional boxer.

Verb

gladiator (third-person singular simple present gladiators, present participle gladiatoring, simple past and past participle gladiatored)

To fight as entertainment for others.

To compete in a public contest.

To debate or argue.

To act aggressively toward others.

Source: Wiktionary

Glad"i*a`tor, n. Etym: [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.

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

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition