n. [ Gr. chei`r hand + &unr_; trainer of athletes, gymnast. ] A mechanical contrivance for exercising the fingers of a pianist. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Gr. gymnasth`s a trainer of athletes: cf. F. gymnaste. See Gymnasium. ] One who teaches or practices gymnastic exercises; the manager of a gymnasium; an athlete.

n. A gymnast. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } a. [ L. gymnasticus, Gr. gymnastiko`s: cf. F. gymnastique. See Gymnasium. ] 1. Pertaining to athletic exercises intended for health, defense, or diversion; -- originally said of games or exercises, as running, leaping, wrestling, throwing the discus, the javelin, etc.; in modern times more specifically applied to athletic exercises demonstrating balance and agility, such as tumbling, somersaulting, and bodily maneuvers performed on special equipment such as parallel bars or a balance beam; as, gymnastic exercises, contests, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. pertaining to disciplinary exercises for the intellect. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a gymnastic manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. Athletic or disciplinary exercises; the art of performing gymnastic exercises. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Disciplinary exercises for the intellect or character. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. [ fig. ] Feats demonstrating a quick mental agility; as, mental gymnastics, verbal gymnastics. [ PJC ]