stylite Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an early Christian ascetic who lived on top of high pillars

WordNet

Sty"lite noun
Etymology
Gr. , fr. a pillar.
Definitions
  1. (Eccl. Hist.) One of a sect of anchorites in the early church, who lived on the tops of pillars for the exercise of their patience; -- called also pillarist and pillar saint.

Webster 1913