Gym‐na″si‐um (–zĭ‐ŭm or –zhĭ‐ŭm; 277) n.; pl. E. Gymnasiums (–ŭmz), L. Gymnasia (–ȧ). [L., fr. Gr. γυμνάσιον, fr. γυμνάζειν to exercise (naked), fr. γυμνόσ naked.] 1. A place or building where athletic exercises are performed; a school for gymnastics.
2. A school for the higher branches of literature and science; a preparatory school for the university; — used esp. of German schools of this kind.
More like ordinary schools of gymnasia than universities. Hallam.