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ascetic definition

as·cetic (ə set′ik)

adjective

of or characteristic of ascetics or asceticism; self-denying; austere
also ascetical as·cet′i·cal

Etymology: Gr(Ec) askētikos, austere < Gr, laborious, exercised < askein, to exercise, train (for athletic competition)

noun

  1. a person who leads a life of contemplation and rigorous self-denial for religious purposes
  2. anyone who lives with strict self-discipline and without the usual pleasures and comforts

Etymology: < Gr askētēs, monk, hermit

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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