noun.
In the early church, one who devoted himself to a solitary and contemplative life, characterized by devotion, extreme self-denial, and self-mortification; a hermit; a recluse; hence, one who practices extreme rigor and self-denial in religious things.
noun.
the science which treats of the practice of the theological and moral virtues, and the counsels of perfection.
adjective.
Extremely rigid in self-denial and devotions; austere; severe.