an ancient appellation given to such persons as, in the primitive times, devoted themselves more immediately to the exercises of piety and virtue, in a retired life; and particularly to prayer, abstinence, and mortification. The word is derived from *ἀσκέω*, "I exercise." Afterwards, when the monks came in fashion, this title was bestowed upon them; especially upon such of them as lived in solitude.

**ASCETIC** is also a title of several books of spiritual exercise.—As, the *Ascetics*, or devout exercises of St Basil, archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia.

We also say the *ascetic* life, meaning the exercise of prayer, meditation, and mortification.