(διοσκουρια; from Διος, Jupiter, and κυριος, infants), in antiquity, a festival in honour of the Dioscuroi, or Castor and Pollux, who were reputed to be the sons of Jupiter. It was observed by the Cyreneans, but more especially by the Spartans, whose country was honoured by the birth of these heroes. The solemnity was full of mirth, being a time wherein they shared plentifully of the gifts of Bacchus, and diverted themselves with sports, of which wrestling matches always made a part.