One who lives a religious life of contemplation and self-denial (7)

I believe the answer is:

ascetic

(Other definitions for ascetic that I've seen before include "Self-disciplined person" , "Austere, Spartan" , "Eremite" , "One avoiding indulgence" , "One who practises severe selfdenial" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.

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