Pertaining to or characteristic of monks or nuns; ascetic: as, monastic life, vows, or practices.Adapted to or suitable for monks or nuns; of ascetic character or use: as, monastic buildings or architecture; monastic seclusion.An epithet noting a style of book-decoration in which medieval forms of compact ornament are strongly stamped on the sides or back of the book without any use of gold-leaf.an abbot who was also a bishop; ora monk consecrated bishop, resident in a monastery, and exercising his office in confirmations, ordinations, etc., but without jurisdiction.n. A monk; a religious recluse.