Emily Dickinson Lexicon

ATH-LET'IC, a. [Gr. αθλητης; L. athleta, a wrestler; from αεθλος, strife, contest.]

1. Belonging to wrestling, boxing, running, and other exercises and sports, which were practiced by the ancients, usually called the athletic games. Hence,
2. Strong; lusty; robust; vigorous. An athletic body or constitution, is one fitted for vigorous exertions.