callisthenics

noun

1. (used with a singular or plural verb) calisthenics.

noun

1. (used with a plural verb) gymnastic exercises designed to develop physical health and vigor, usually performed with little or no special apparatus.
2. (used with a singular verb) the art, practice, or a session of such exercises.

noun

1. (functioning as plural) light exercises designed to promote general fitness, develop muscle tone, etc
2. (functioning as singular) the practice of callisthenic exercises

noun

1. a variant spelling (esp US) of callisthenics

n.

1847 (calisthenic (adj.) is from 1839), formed on model of French callisthenie, from Latinized comb. form of Greek kallos “beauty” + sthenos “strength” + -ics. Originally, gymnastic exercises suitable for girls and meant to develop the figure and promote graceful movement. The proper Greek, if there was such a word in Greek, would have been *kallistheneia.

pl.n.

1. Gymnastic exercises, such as sit-ups, designed to develop muscular tone and promote physical fitness.