Ath`let"ic (&?;), a. [L. athleticus, Gr. &?;. See Athlete.] 1. Of or pertaining to athletes or to the exercises practiced by them; as, athletic games or sports.
2. Befitting an athlete; strong; muscular; robust; vigorous; as, athletic Celts. "Athletic soundness." South. -- Ath*let"ic*al*ly (&?;), adv.
Ath*let"i*cism (&?;), n. The practice of engaging in athletic games; athletism.
Ath*let"ics (&?;), n. The art of training by athletic exercises; the games and sports of athletes.
Ath"le*tism (&?;), n. The state or practice of an athlete; the characteristics of an athlete.
A*thwart" (&?;), prep. [Pref. a- + thwart.] 1. Across; from side to side of.
Athwart the thicket lone.
Tennyson.
2. (Naut.) Across the direction or course of; as, a fleet standing athwart our course.
Athwart hawse, across the stem of another vessel, whether in contact or at a small distance. -- Athwart ships, across the ship from side to side, or in that direction; -- opposed to fore and aft.
A*thwart", adv. 1. Across, especially in an oblique direction; sidewise; obliquely.
Sometimes athwart, sometimes he strook him straight.
Spenser.