Discus

Dis'cus

(δίσκος, a quoit), one of the exercises in the Grecian gymnasia, which Jason, the high-priest, introduced among the Jews in the time of Antiochus Epiphanes (2 Macc. 4:9), and which he induced even the priests to practice (2 Macc. 4:14). The discus was a circular plate of stone or metal, made for throwing to a distance as an exercise of strength and dexterity (Lucian, Anachron. 27). It was indeed one of the principal gymnastic exercises: of the Greeks, and was practiced in the heroic age (Homer, Il. 33:839 sq.; 2:774; Odys. 8:129, 188). For details, see Smith's Diet. of Class. Antiq. s.v.; Mercurial. De arte gymnast. 2:12; Krause, Gymnast. d. Hellen. 1:440 sq. SEE GAMES.

⇒See also the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.