ascetic

views updated May 29 2018

as·cet·ic / əˈsetik/ • adj. characterized by or suggesting the practice of severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons.• n. a person who practices such self-discipline and abstention.DERIVATIVES: as·cet·i·cal·ly / -ik(ə)lē/ adv.as·cet·i·cism / -ˌsizəm/ n.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

ascetic

views updated Jun 08 2018

ascetic XVII. — medL. ascēticus or Gr. askētikós, f. askētḗs monk, hermit, f. askeîn exercise; see -IC.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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