anchorism
/ˈaŋkərɪz(ə)m
/noun [mass noun] rare
The state of living as a religious recluse: as he longed for anchorism he went to Scetis, following a Cherub...
- Antony had, in his mid-life, made a decision in favor of anchorism against the monastic and political involvement
- Anchorism was slightly more popular among women than men in the twelfth century.
- There are few men for whom pure anchorism is safe.
Origin
Late 16th century: from Old English anchor 'recluse, hermit' (from medieval Latin anchorita anchorite) + -ism.