1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Ponte

PONTE (Ital. for “bridge”), a rough game peculiar to the ci ty of Pisa, in which the players, divided into two sides and provided with padded costumes, contended for the possession of one of the bridges over the Arno. The weapon used, both for offence and defence, was a kind of shield which served as a club as well.

A history and description of the game may be found in William Heywood's Palio and Ponte (London, 1904).