Gymnasiums

Gymnasium Gym*na"si*um (j[i^]m*n[=a]"z[i^]*[u^]m or j[i^]m*n[=a]"zh[i^]*[u^]m; 277) n.; pl. E. {Gymnasiums} (j[i^]m*n[=a]"z[i^]*[u^]mz), L. {Gymnasia} (j[i^]m*n[=a]"z[i^]*[.a]). [L., fr. Gr. gymna`sion, fr. gymna`zein to exercise (naked), fr. gymo`s naked.] 1. A place or building where athletic exercises are performed; a school for gymnastics. [1913 Webster]

2. A school for the higher branches of literature and science; a preparatory school for the university; -- used esp. of German schools of this kind. [1913 Webster]

More like ordinary schools of gymnasia than universities. --Hallam. [1913 Webster]