Gymnosophist

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Gymnosophist \Gym*nos"o*phist\ (j[i^]m*n[o^]s"[-o]*f[i^]st), n.
     [Gr. gymnosofisth`s; gymno`s naked + sofisth`s philosopher;
     cf. F. gymnosophiste.]
     One of a sect of philosophers, said to have been found in
     India by Alexander the Great, who went almost naked, denied
     themselves the use of flesh, renounced bodily pleasures, and


     employed themselves in the contemplation of nature.
     [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  gymnosophist
       n : member of a Hindu sect practicing gymnosophy (especially
           nudism)