from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Gymnasium \Gym*na"si*um\ (j[i^]m*n[=a]"z[i^]*[u^]m or
j[i^]m*n[=a]"zh[i^]*[u^]m; 277) n.; pl. E. {Gymnasiums}
(j[i^]m*n[=a]"z[i^]*[u^]mz), L. {Gymnasia}
(j[i^]m*n[=a]"z[i^]*[.a]). [L., fr. Gr. gymna`sion, fr.
gymna`zein to exercise (naked), fr. gymo`s naked.]
1. A place or building where athletic exercises are
performed; a school for gymnastics.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
More like ordinary schools of gymnasia than
universities. --Hallam.
[1913 Webster]