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.
The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature was edited by John McClintock and James Strong. It contains nearly 50,000 articles pertaining to Biblical and other religious literature, people, creeds, etc. It is a fantastic research tool for broad Christian study.
John McClintock was born October 27, 1814 in Philadelphia to Irish immigrants, John and Martha McClintock. He began as a clerk in his father's store, and then became a bookkeeper in the Methodist Book Concern in New York. Here he converted to Methodism and considered joining the ministry. McClintock entered the University of Pennsylvania in 1832 and graduated with high honors three years later. Subsequently, he was awarded a doctorate of divinity degree from the same institution in 1848.WikipediaRead More