Relating to or characterized by encratism; practicing strict self-control and abstinence, especially in early Christian contexts.
From Greek 'enkrateia' (self-control, continence), from 'en-' (in) + 'kratos' (strength/power). Refers to an early Christian movement emphasizing rigid asceticism.
The Encratites were an ancient Christian sect so committed to self-denial they rejected marriage and meat—'encratic' captures the extreme end of self-discipline, showing how language preserves forgotten movements!
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