aˈscetical, a.
[f. prec. + -al1.]
1. Pertaining to, or treating of, the spiritual exercises by which perfection and virtue may be attained, as in Ascetical Theology.
| a 1617 Bayne On Eph. (1866) 331 Hence it is that ascetical sermons..are not in that request. 1697 tr. Dupin's Eccl. Hist. II. 145 The Ascetical Books attributed to St. Basil. 1884 Addis & Arnold Cath. Dict. s.v., St. Francis of Sales and St. Alphonsus Liguori may be mentioned as modern saints whose ascetical works are most esteemed. |
2. = ascetic 1.
| 1836 Hor. Smith Tin Trump. (1876) 161 Our English puritans with their ascetical bigotry. |