Definition of "pancratiast" [pan•cra•ti•ast]

• One who engaged in the contests of the pancratium. (noun)

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• "And yet, Socrates, rhetoric should be used like any other competitive art, not against everybody-the rhetorician ought not to abuse his strength any more than a pugilist or pancratiast or other master of fence; because he has powers which are more than a match either for friend or enemy, he ought not therefore to strike, stab, or slay his friends."
• "Arcadians, Antiochus, the pancratiast; and on that of the Eleians,"
• "You cannot mean to say that because Polydamas, the pancratiast, is stronger than we are, and finds the eating of beef conducive to his bodily strength, that to eat beef is therefore equally for our good who are weaker than he is, and right and just for us?"