pos>a. [ Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; to exercise, to practice gymnastics. ] Extremely rigid in self-denial and devotions; austere; severe. [ 1913 Webster ]
The stern ascetic rigor of the Temple discipline. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]
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. [ 1913 Webster ]
I am far from commending those ascetics that take up their quarters in deserts. Norris. [ 1913 Webster ]
Ascetic theology,
adj.
Be systematically ascetic . . . do . . . something for no other reason than that you would rather not do it. William James. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The condition, practice, or mode of life, of ascetics. [ 1913 Webster ]