caestus
/ˈkɛstəs/
noun
- A heavy leather glove or band worn by ancient Roman boxers, often reinforced with metal or spikes.
- The caestus was a brutal weapon, sometimes studded with iron or lead.
- Ancient Roman fighters wrapped their hands in a caestus to deliver more powerful blows.
- In gladiatorial contests, the caestus could cause serious injury to opponents.