Discus

(dis'kus.) [ L., from Gr. dis kos, a disc.] (Antiq.) An iron quoit used by the ancients, consisting of a flat circular piece of metal commonly perforated in the centre. In the practice of using the same as a manly exercise, the object in view consisted in being able to pitch the D. to as far a distance as po ible. D. play is recorded by Homer as having been practised in the games at the obsequies of Patroclus. [s. 201]