Defn: One who ascertains.
ASCERTAINMENT
As`cer*tain"ment, n.
Defn: The act of ascertaining; a reducing to certainty; a finding out by investigation; discovery. The positive ascertainment of its limits. Burke.
ASCESSANCY; ASCESSANT
As*ces"san*cy, n. As*ces"sant, a.
Defn: See Acescency, Acescent. [Obs.]
ASCETIC
As*cet"ic a. Etym: [Gr.
Defn: Extremely rigid in self-denial and devotions; austere; severe.
The stern ascetic rigor of the Temple discipline. Sir W. Scott.
ASCETIC
As*cet"ic, n.
Defn: In the early church, one who devoted himself to a solitary and contemplative life, characterized by devotion, extreme self-denial, and self-mortification; a hermit; a recluse; hence, one who practices extreme rigor and self-denial in religious things. I am far from commending those ascetics that take up their quarters in deserts. Norris. Ascetic theology, the science which treats of the practice of the theological and moral virtues, and the counsels of perfection. Am. Cyc.
ASCETICISM
As*cet"i*cism, n.