stylite

[ stahy-lahyt ]

noun

, Ecclesiastical History.

1. one of a class of solitary ascetics who lived on the top of high pillars or columns.

stylite

/ staɪˈlɪtɪk; ˈstaɪlaɪt /

noun

1. Christianity one of a class of recluses who in ancient times lived on the top of high pillars

Derived Forms

• stylitic, adjective

Other Words From

• sty·lit·ic [stahy-, lit, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stylite¹

1630–40; < Late Greek stȳlī́tēs, equivalent to stŷl ( os ) pillar + -itēs -ite ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of stylite¹

C17: from Late Greek stulitēs, from Greek stulos a pillar

Example Sentences

A Stylite might have contented himself there; Gilliatt, more luxurious in his requirements, wanted something more commodious.

From Project Gutenberg

This old monk was St. Luke the Stylite, appearing in vision.

From Project Gutenberg

He stopped, some paces from the column, and began to examine the stylite, wiping his face meanwhile with the skirt of his toga.

From Project Gutenberg

Simeon the Stylite comes down from his pillar-top, and chaffers in the market-place with common folks.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• recluse