Asceticism - Definition
asceticism
n 1: the doctrine that through renunciation of worldly pleasures
it is possible to achieve a high spiritual or intellectual
state
2: the trait of great self-denial (especially refraining from
worldly pleasures) [syn: austerity, asceticism,
nonindulgence]
3: rigorous self-denial and active self-restraint [syn:
asceticism, ascesis]