GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Ascetic  a. [Gr. , fr.  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
   
         
       

2.       
   Ascetic, 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, the science which treats of the practice of the theological and moral virtues, and the counsels of perfection. Am. Cyc.
   1913 Webster