Home1778 Edition

AGONISTICI

Volume 1 · 67 words · 1778 Edition

in church-history, a name given by Donatus to such of his disciples as he sent to fairs, markets, and other public places, to propagate his doctrine; for which reason they were also called Circulatorii, Circelliones, Catopitres, Corpulites, and at Rome Montefestii. They were called Agonistici, from the Greek ἀγών, combat; in regard they were sent, as it were, to fight, and subdue the people to their opinions.