Essene

American  

[es-een, e-seen] / ˈɛs in, ɛˈsin /

noun

Judaism.

1. a member of a Palestinian sect, characterized by asceticism, celibacy, and joint holding of property, that flourished from the 2nd century b.c. to the 2nd century a.d.

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Essene British  

/ ɛˈsɛnɪk, ɛˈsiːnɪən, ɛˈsiːn, ˈɛsiːn /

noun

1. Judaism a member of an ascetic sect that flourished in Palestine from the second century _bc to the second century _ad , living in strictly organized communities

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Usage

What is an Essene? An Essene is a member of a Jewish sect that existed from around 200 b.c.e. until 200 c.e. The Essenes were a religious group that split from the Jewish majority to form their own community in the Palestinian desert. Historical evidence suggests that they lived in the caves of Qumran, located on the northwestern bank of the Dead Sea. It is thought that the Essenes split off due to disgust or disagreement with some of the Jewish beliefs of the time. The Essenes lived very secluded lives, where every action was dictated by a religious leader. Most Essenes took vows of celibacy and no women were allowed to be members of the group. Essenes practiced asceticism, dedicating their lives to religious study and contemplation. The Essenes also practiced a system of community ownership where everything was shared by the community with no concept of private property. The Essenes were also opposed to slavery. The Essenes believed that an apocalypse was fast approaching. According to them, the end of days would involve a massive battle between the “Sons of Light” and the “Sons of Darkness.” The Sons of Light would be (as you might expect) the Essenes themselves, and the Sons of Darkness included everyone else. The Essenes believed they alone would survive this battle as they were the chosen people.

Other Word Forms

• Essenian adjective
• Essenic adjective

Example Sentences

At the foot of Mount Kuchumaa, a mountain sacred to Indigenous Kumeyaay people, they launched the Essene School of Life, named after a biblical-era Jewish sect.

From Washington Post • Nov. 5, 2021

I like Essene, which is a movie about a Benedictine monastery.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2018

“The only time we didn’t play was when there was lightning,” recalled Charlotte DeCozen, who won a women’s New Jersey Golf Association tournament on Aug. 28 after her sister, Essene, collapsed from the heat.

From New York Times • Jul. 19, 2013

Pliny’s description is brief but important in the present connection, for it locates the Essene community exactly where this building and the library were found.

From The New Yorker • May 6, 1955

For thou art an Essene, by repute, and no man need surrender his reputation for his character.

From Saul of Tarsus A Tale of the Early Christians by Miller, Elizabeth