ascetic

Etymology

17th century, from Medieval Latin asceticus, from Ancient Greek ἀσκητικός (askētikós), from ἀσκητής (askētḗs, “monk, hermit”), from ἀσκέω (askéō, “I exercise”).

adj

1. Of or relating to ascetics
2. Characterized by rigorous self-denial or self-discipline; austere; abstinent; involving a withholding of physical pleasure.
   In a word, the stern, ascetic rigor of the temple discipline, which had been so long exchanged for prodigal and licentious indulgence, seemed at once to have revived at Templestowe under the severe eye of Lucas Beaumanoir. 1820, Walter Scott, Ivanhoe: A Romance, published 1868, page 151
   1999, Alan Davies, Tradition and Modernity in Protestant Christianity, Karigoudar Ishwaran (editor), Ascetic Culture: Renunciation and Worldly Engagement, page 30, The rich communal life of the most ascetic Protestants, for example, the Hutterites and the Old Order Mennonites, with their nineteenth century dress and preference for antiquated technology, refutes such superficial judgments.
   2004, Phyllis G. Jestice, Ascetics as Holy People, Phyllis G. Jestice (editor), Holy People of the World: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia, Volume 1: Entries A to G, page 70, Throughout the hagiographical tradition, though, holy people have engaged in more ascetic practices than the population at large, usually proceeding two or three degrees beyond what is expected among the merely pious.
   This experience enables Nāgārjuna to recognize that desire is the root cause of suffering and motivates him to turn to a more ascetic lifestyle. 2015, Carl Olson, Indian Asceticism: Power, Violence, and Play, page 155

noun

1. One who is devoted to the practice of self-denial, either through seclusion or stringent abstinence.
   First, the technical terms used to signify hindu ascetics, hermits, mendicants and some related terms are analysed in their religious meaning with the view of avoiding a good deal of confusion that exists in such studies. 1982, Mariasusai Dhavamony, Classical Hinduism, page 369
   Female ascetics find shelter in a wide variety of establishments and vary greatly in the degree to which they travel. 2004, Lynn Teskey Denton, Female Ascetics in Hinduism, page 110
   The ascetics were not only concerned with abstinence from food, and much of the contemporary literature stresses sexual desire and civil ambition as other important dangers to avoid. 2015, Susanne Kerner, Cynthia Chou, Morten Warmind, editors, Commensality: From Everyday Food to Feast, unnumbered page