CYNOSARGES, a place in the suburbs of Athens, so named from the mythological story of a white or swift dog which snatched away part of the victim when Diomus was sacrificing to Hercules. In it was a gymnasium consecrated to Hercules, for the use of those who were not of pure Athenian blood; and also a court of judicature to try illegitimacy, and to examine whether persons were of the pure or of the half blood. Here the philosopher Antisthenes taught; and his followers were called Cynics, either from the place, or from the snarling disposition and coarse mode of life of that sect. See CYNICS.