Essene

 
Pronunciation: /ˈɛsiːn/

noun

  • a member of an ancient Jewish ascetic sect of the period from the 2nd century bc to the 2nd century ad in Palestine, who lived in highly organized groups and held property in common. The Essenes are widely regarded as the authors of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Origin:

from Latin Esseni (plural), from Greek Essēnoi, perhaps from Aramaic