a. rare–1. [ad. Gr. σφαιριστικ-ός playing at ball.] Tennis-playing.
Lawn-tennis was first introduced (in 1874) under the name of sphairistike (Gr. σφαιριστική).
1882. World, 14 June, 13. Lawn-tennis has not to answer for many accidents; so that two in a week among the sphairistic ladies of Ireland seems alarming.
