English

Simeon Stylites, a stylite, is shown twice in this image.

Noun

stylite ‎(plural stylites)

1. (Christianity, historical) A Christian ascetic in ancient times who lived alone on top of a tall pillar.
   • 1997, John Julius Norwich, A Short History of Byzantium, Penguin 1998, p. 53:

     Daniel, the famous stylite of the city, actually descended from his pillar for the first time in fifteen years, terrifying Basiliscus into the withdrawal of his edict.

   • 2009, Diarmaid MacCulloch, A History of Christianity, Penguin 2010, p. 208:

     Stylites often became major players in Church politics, shouting down their theological pronouncements from their little elevated balconies to the expectant crowds below, or giving personalized advice to those favoured enough to climb the ladder and join them on their platform.

Related terms

• Stylites

Derived terms

• stylitic
• stylitism

Translations

Anagrams

• testily

Latin

Pronunciation

• (Classical) IPA^(key): /styːˈliː.teː/

Noun

stȳlītē m

1. ablative singular of stȳlītēs
2. vocative singular of stȳlītēs