From the book
Lysis
Plato · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordPaidotribēs means physical trainer of boys.
- In LysisThe παιδοτρίβης sends for Menexenus and thereby interrupts Socrates’ comparison of the two boys.
- Reading contextThe distinct roles help make the later claim that Lysis has many rulers socially concrete rather than merely rhetorical.
- A place to readThe Greek example means “that the physical trainer was calling him.”
- English renderings
- Physical trainer of boys
Meaning
Physical trainer of boys.
Grammatical category: noun, masculine.
Use in the book
The παιδοτρίβης sends for Menexenus and thereby interrupts Socrates’ comparison of the two boys. His role belongs to the wrestling-school and its supervision of youthful activity. Socrates thinks Menexenus is taking part in the sacrificial arrangements.
Do not confuse this trainer with the παιδαγωγός who escorts and supervises Lysis or the διδάσκαλος to whose premises the boy is taken. The distinct roles help make the later claim that Lysis has many rulers socially concrete rather than merely rhetorical.
Places to read
- 207dκαλεῖν τὸν παιδοτρίβην — that the physical trainer was calling him.