Definition of monastic

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mo·nas·tic    (m-nstk) KEY  also mo·nas·ti·cal  (-t-kl) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of a monastery. Used often of monks and nuns.
2. Resembling life in a monastery in style, structure, or manner, especially:
   1. Secluded and contemplative.
   2. Strictly disciplined or regimented.
   3. Self-abnegating; austere.

NOUN:

A monk.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English monastik, from Old French monastique, from Late Latin monasticus, from Late Greek monastikos, from Greek monazein, to live alone ; see monastery

OTHER FORMS:
mo·nasti·cal·ly(Adverb)