The Only Use of
ascetic
in
The Scarlet Letter
- 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. 58.3ascetic = basic (without luxury -- as of someone who practices self-denial)
Definition:
someone who practices self-denial (often to encourage spiritual growth); or relating to such self-denial
or:
severely plain (without decoration)
or:
severely plain (without decoration)