HALTERES (althreV) were certain masses of stone or metal, which were used in the gymnastic exercises of the Greeks and Romans. Persons who practised leaping often performed their exercises with halteres in both hands; but they were also frequently used merely to exercise the body in somewhat the same manner as our dumb-bells (Martial, xiv.49, vii.67.6; Pollux, iii.155, x.64; graves massae, Juv. vi.421; Senec. Ep. 15, 56). Pausanias (v.26 § 3, v.27 § 8, vi.3 § 4) speaks of certain statues of athletes who were represented with halteres. They appear to have been made of various forms and sizes.

William Smith, A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities, John Murray, London, 1875. p 585.