Anchoritism

/ˈæŋkəˌraɪtɪzəm/ noun

Definition

The practice or lifestyle of being an anchorite; living as a religious hermit withdrawn from society.

Etymology

From 'anchorite' + '-ism' (system or practice). This noun form emerged in Christian religious discourse to describe the monastic practice of religious isolation.

Kelly Says

Anchoritism was so extreme that some practitioners were literally walled into cells—they couldn't leave, and people would bring them food through a tiny opening called a 'squint.'

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