Definition of Gymnosophist

1. Noun. Member of a Hindu sect practicing gymnosophy (especially nudism).

Generic synonyms: Philosopher
Derivative terms: Gymnosophy

Definition of Gymnosophist

1. n. 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.

Definition of Gymnosophist

1. Noun. One of a school of ancient Indian ascetic philosophers, reported in antiquity, who wore little clothing; a mystic. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Gymnosophist

1. [n -S]

Lexicographical Neighbors of Gymnosophist

gymnodonts
gymnogens
gymnoglossa
gymnolaemata
gymnonoti
gymnopaedic
gymnophiona
gymnophobia
gymnophthalmata
gymnoplast
gymnoplasts
gymnorhinal
gymnosomata
gymnosophical
gymnosophist (current term)
gymnosophists
gymnosophy
gymnothecium
gymnotoka

Literary usage of Gymnosophist

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Edinburgh Medical and Surgical Journal (1826)
"f It is evident, that, though the courtly gymnosophist is here made to echo the account formerly inscribed by ..."

2. Plato, and the Other Companions of Sokrates by George Grote (1888)
"Another point, in the reply made by the Indian gymnosophist ... The Indian gymnosophist agrees with the Athenian speaker in the Platonic treatise De Legibus ..."

3. Indian Antiquities: Or, Dissertations Relative to the Ancient Geographical by Thomas Maurice (1800)
"A gymnosophist, or Hindoo penitent, is not properly a Brahmin, though a Brahmin, by adopting severer austerities, may become a gymnosophist. ..."

4. Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine (1822)
"Sir William Jones gives a translation of one of their poems, in which the gymnosophist expresses the desire to be weaned from the uncertainties of a ..."

5. Coryat's Crudities: Hastily Gobled Up in Five Moneths Travells in France by Thomas Coryate, George Coryate (1905)
"... and intimate the dust, The dust which force of argument doth feele: Even so this Author, this * gymnosophist, Whom no delight of travels toyle ..."

6. Coryat's Crudities: Hastily Gobled Up in Five Moneths Travells in France by Thomas Coryate, George Coryate (1905)
"... and intimate the dust, The dust which force of argument doth feele: Even so this Author, this * gymnosophist, Whom no delight of travels toyle ..."

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