Definitions for: Ascetic

[n] practices self denial as spiritual discipline
[adj] practicing great self-denial; "Be systematically ascetic...do...something for no other reason than that you would rather not do it"- William James; "a desert nomad's austere life"; "a spartan diet"; "a spartan existence"
[adj] pertaining to or characteristic of an ascetic; "ascetic practices"

Webster (1913) Definition: As*cet"ica. [Gr. ?, fr. ? to exercise, to practice
gymnastics.]
Extremely rigid in self-denial and devotions; austere;
severe.

The stern ascetic rigor of the Temple discipline. --Sir
W. Scott.

As*cet"ic, n.
In the early church, one who devoted himself to a solitary
and contemplative life, characterized by devotion, extreme
self-denial, and self-mortification; a hermit; a recluse;
hence, one who practices extreme rigor and self-denial in
religious things.

I am far from commending those ascetics that take up
their quarters in deserts. --Norris.

Ascetic theology, the science which treats of the practice
of the theological and moral virtues, and the counsels of
perfection. --Am. Cyc.

Synonyms: abstainer, abstemious, ascetical, ascetical, austere, spartan

See Also: puritan, religionist, religious person, stylite

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