spartan

By analogy with the ancient Spartans, who famously possessed the qualities which "spartan" now describes.

spartan (comparative more spartan, superlative most spartan)

1. Austere, frugal, characterized by self-denial.

   I went on the retreat to the monastery, thinking I would be sleeping in a spartan cell, only to discover a simple but comfortable bedroom.

2. Resolute in the face of danger or adversity.

   The spartan legionaries vowed to fight to the death.

3. Lacking in decoration and luxury.

   After ten years as a fashion designer in the rough-and-tumble Garment District, Eloise left New York for the spartan but serene life of a farmer's wife.

• tarpans

spartan c

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1. Spartan, inhabitant of the anciant Greek town of Sparta