ascetic

Definition

Of or relating to ascetics.

Etymology

First use appears c. 1646. From Medieval Latin asceticus, from Ancient Greek ἀσκητικός (askētikós), from ἀσκητής (askētḗs, “monk, hermit”), from ἀσκέω (askéō, “I exercise”).

Example Sentences

• "In a word, the stern, ascetic rigor of the temple discipline, which had been so long exchanged for prodigal and licentious indulgence, seemed at once to have revived at Templestowe under the severe eye of Lucas Beaumanoir."
• "1999, Alan Davies, Tradition and Modernity in Protestant Christianity, Karigoudar Ishwaran (editor), Ascetic Culture: Renunciation and Worldly Engagement, page 30, The rich communal life of the most ascetic Protestants, for example, the Hutterites and the Old Order Mennonites, with their nineteenth century dress and preference for antiquated technology, refutes such superficial judgments."
• "2004, Phyllis G. Jestice, Ascetics as Holy People, Phyllis G. Jestice (editor), Holy People of the World: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia, Volume 1: Entries A to G, page 70, Throughout the hagiographical tradition, though, holy people have engaged in more ascetic practices than the population at large, usually proceeding two or three degrees beyond what is expected among the merely pious."