from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Discus \Dis"cus\, n.; pl. E. {Discuses}, L. {Disci}. [L. See
{Disk}.]
1.
(a) A quoit; a circular plate of some heavy material
intended to be pitched or hurled as a trial of
strength and skill.
(b) The exercise with the discus.
[1913 Webster]
Note: This among the Greeks was one of the chief gymnastic
exercises and was included in the Pentathlon (the
contest of the five exercises). The chief contest was
that of throwing the discus to the greatest possible
distance.
[1913 Webster]
2. A disk. See {Disk}.
[1913 Webster]