ascetic

/ə-ˈse-tik/

Greek askētikos, literally, laborious, from askētēs one that exercises, hermit, from askein to work, exercise

adjective

  1. practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline

  2. austere in appearance, manner, or attitude

an ascetic monk

severe stern austere ascetic mean given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint. severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness. stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.