Recluses; hermits (8)
I believe the answer is:
eremites
I believe this is a double definition.
'recluses' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'hermits' is the second definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
(Other definitions for eremites that I've seen before include "Mere site (anag.)" , "Christian hermits or recluses" , "Mere site could produce hermits" , "people cut off from society" , "Religious recluses" .)