ASCETIC

ASCETIC,Ascesis, Ascetes, an ancient Name for such Persons, as in the primitive Times devoted themselves to the Exercises of Piety and Virtue in a retired Life; and particularly to Prayer and Mortification. See SOLITARY. Afterwards, when the Monks came in fashion, this Title was bestowed upon them; especially such of them as lived in Solitude. See MONK, HERMIT, ANCHORITE, etc. The Word is derived from the Greek ἀσκητής, which is formed from ἄσκησις, I exercise. The Term Asceticis also used as a Title of several Books of Spiritual Exercises: As, the Ascetics, or devout Treatises of St. Basil, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia. We also say, the Ascetic Life, meaning the Exercise of Prayer, Meditation, and Mortification—See MYSTIC.