SECUTORES, a species of gladiators among theVOL. XVII. Part I. Romans, whose arms were a helmet, a shield, and a sword or a leaden bullet. They were armed in this manner, because they had to contend with the retarii, who were dressed in a short tunic, bore a three-pointed lance in their left hand, and a net in their right. The retarius attempted to cast his net over the head of the secutor; and if he succeeded, he drew it together and flew him with his trident: but if he missed his aim, he immediately betook himself to flight till he could find a second opportunity of entangling his adversary with his net. He was pursued by the secutor, who endeavoured to dispatch him in his flight. Secutores was also a name given to such gladiators who took the place of those killed in the combat, or who engaged the conqueror. This post was usually taken by lot.