( 1 Timothy 4:8 ). An ascetic mortification of the flesh and denial of personal gratification (Compare Colossians 2:23 ) to which some sects of the Jews, especially the Essenes, attached importance.

These dictionary topics are from
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.