Gym*na"si*um (?) n.; pl. E. Gymnasiums (#), L. Gymnasia (#). [L., fr. Gr. , fr. to exercise (naked), fr. naked.]
1.
A place or building where athletic exercises are performed; a school for gymnastics.
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.
More like ordinary schools of gymnasia than universities.
Hallam.
© Webster 1913.