1. a member of an ancient Indian sect of ascetic philosophers who wore little or no clothing and practiced extreme self-discipline
Usage: historical

Examples

• Alexander the Great encountered gymnosophists during his conquest of India.
• The gymnosophist meditated under the tree, indifferent to worldly possessions.
• Ancient Greek writers described the gymnosophists as wise men who rejected material comforts.
• The gymnosophist’s teachings emphasized spiritual enlightenment over physical needs.
• Historians debate whether the gymnosophists influenced later philosophical movements.
• The term gymnosophist literally means ‘naked philosopher’ in Greek.