Ascetic \As*cet"ic\, 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.
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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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