ASCET'IC, a. [Gr. exercised, hardened; from to exercise. Retired from the world; rigid; severe; austere; employed in devotions and mortifications. ASCET'IC, n. 1. One who retires from the customary business of life, and devotes himself to the duties of piety and devotion; a hermit; a recluse.2. The title of certain books, on devout exercises; as the ascetics of St. Basil.
|
