properly denotes exercise of the body. It is formed from the verb *ασκειν*, used by the ancients in speaking of the sports and combats of the athlete.

Asceticism is also used by philosophers, to denote an exercise conducive to virtue, or to the acquiring a greater degree of virtue. This is particularly denominated the *philosophical ascetic*, because practised chiefly by philosophers, who make a more peculiar profession of improving themselves in virtue; on the model whereof, the ancient Christians introduced a religious Ascetic.