Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Gladiator
1.
Originally, a swordplayer; hence, one who fought with weapons in public, either on the occasion of a funeral ceremony, or in the arena, for public amusement.
Webster 1828 Edition
Gladiator
GLADIA'TOR
,Noun.
A sword-player; a prize-fighter. The gladiators, in Rome, were men who fought in the arena, for the entertainment of the people.