anchorite
nounUK /ˈæŋ.kə.raɪt/
US /ˈæŋ.kə.raɪt/
An anchorite is a person who lives alone to pray and think about God.
The old anchorite lived in a small hut near the church and spent his days praying.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A person who lives in a small room attached to a church, shut off from the world for religious reasons.
The anchorite was walled into a cell beside the chapel for the rest of her life.
3. Someone who chooses to live alone and avoid other people.
After retiring, he became an anchorite, rarely leaving his cottage.
4. A religious person devoted to a life of strict self-denial and prayer.
Legends tell of an anchorite who fasted for forty days in the desert.