1. an elderly Russian Orthodox monk or hermit serving as a spiritual guide
Usage: Russian Orthodox Christianity

Examples

• The starets lived in a small cell at the monastery.
• Pilgrims traveled great distances to seek counsel from the wise starets.
• The starets was known for his profound spiritual insights.
• Many considered the starets a living saint.
• The young monk sought guidance from the elderly starets.
• The starets spent hours in prayer and meditation each day.