The Only Use
ascetic
in
The Scarlet Letter
(Edited)
- Hester sought not to acquire anything beyond a subsistence, of the plainest and most ascetic description, for herself, and a simple abundance for her child.
p. 77.8ascetic = basic (without luxury -- as of someone who practices self-denial)
Definitions:
-
(1)
(ascetic) someone who practices self-denial (often to encourage spiritual growth); or relating to such self-denial
or:
severely plain (without decoration) - (2) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)