agonistics
/ˌaɡəˈnɪstɪks/(also agonistic)
noun
1With singular concord. The theory of agonistic rhetoric; agonistic argument.
2With singular and plural concord. Athletic combats such as those practised at the public games of the ancient Greek or Roman world.
Origin
Mid 17th century; earliest use found in Thomas Stanley (1625–1678), poet and classical scholar. From agonistic: see -ic.