Gymnastic \Gym*nas"tic\, Gymnastical \Gym*nas"tic*al\, a. [L. gymnasticus, Gr. ?: cf. F. gymnastique. See {Gymnasium}.] Pertaining to athletic exercises intended for health, defense, or diversion; -- said of games or exercises, as running, leaping, wrestling, throwing the discus, the javelin, etc.; also, pertaining to disciplinary exercises for the intellect; athletic; as, gymnastic exercises, contests, etc.