User blog comment:Pokemon-Trainer-Julia/Summer Vacation RP/@comment-1945898-20140720192755

Siobhan: The thumbs down was used when two men were in close combat, such as one pinning the other down and about to plunge the blade into the other. The man dominating would look to the stands as if asking to spare the man. The crowd watching would either give a thumbs up or thumbs down, but the deciding vote went to the emperor.

Aeolos: Ah--that sounds about right, Siobhan!