Essene

['esi:n]

(noun.) a member of an ascetic Jewish sect around the time of Jesus.

(adj.) said of or relating to the Essenes .

Checked by Brett--From WordNet

(n.) One of a sect among the Jews in the time of our Savior, remarkable for their strictness and abstinence.

Edited by Jessica

n. one of a small religious fraternity among the ancient Jews leading retired ascetic lives and holding property in common.—n. Essen′ism.

Edited by Alta