[as.cet.ic] also as.cet.i.cal adj [Gk asketikos, lit., laborious, fr. asketes one that exercises, hermit, fr. askein to work, exercise] (1646) 1: practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and esp. spiritual discipline
2: austere in appearance, manner, or attitude syn see severe -- ascetic n -- as.cet.i.cal.ly adv -- as.cet.i.cism n