Ascetic

As`cet´ic

Extremely rigid in self-denial and devotions; austere; severe.

The stern ascetic rigor of the Temple discipline.

- Sir W. Scott.

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.

Noun	1.	ascetic - practices self denial as spiritual discipline Synonyms: abstainer
Adj.	1.	ascetic - pertaining to or characteristic of an ascetic or the practice of rigorous self-discipline; "ascetic practices" Synonyms: ascetical
	2.	ascetic - 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" Synonyms: ascetical, austere, spartan

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