47. Austerity (See also Asceticism, Discipline.)

1. Amish conservative Christian group in North America noted for its simple, orderly life and nonconformist dress. [Am. Hist.: EB, I: 316]
2. Borromeo, Charles archbishop; lived thriftily; gave money to poor. [Ital. Hist.: Hall, 65]
3. Cato, Marcus Porcius (234–149 B.C.) Roman statesman known for conservatism; taxed luxuries. [Rom. Hist.: EB, II: 645]
4. Clennam, Mrs. ascetic woman; wears only black. [Br. Lit.: Little Dorrit ]
5. common thistle indicates starkness. [Flower Symbolism: Flora Symbolica, 178]
6. Dotheboys Hall Mr. Squeers’s school: no extras, no vacations. [Br. Lit.: Nicholas Nickleby ]
7. Puritanism 16th- and 17th-century religious reform movement noted for its moral earnestness and austerity. [Br. and Am. Hist.: EB, VIII: 309]
8. Shakers celibate religious sect flourishing in 19th-century U.S. [Am. Hist.: EB, IX: 105]
9. Spartans residents of Greek city known for its stern dedication to militarism. [Gk. Hist.: EB, IX: 403]

aus·ter·i·ty / ôˈsteritē/ • n. (pl. -ties) sternness or severity of manner or attitude. ∎  extreme plainness and simplicity of style or appearance: the room was decorated with a restraint bordering on austerity. ∎  (austerities) conditions characterized by severity, sternness, or asceticism: his austerities had undermined his health. ∎  difficult economic conditions created by government measures to reduce a budget deficit, esp. by reducing public expenditure: a period of austerity.