Chiefly in pl. [ad. late L. encratīta, late Gr. ἐγκρατἱτης (Hippolytus), f. ἐγκρατ-ής continent + -ῑτης: see -ITE.] One of those early Christian heretics (chiefly Gnostic) that abstained from flesh, from wine, and from marriage. Also attrib.
1587. T. Rogers, 39 Art. (1621), 295. The Encratites … use no wine at all.
1702. Echard, Eccl. Hist. (1710), 500. Justin’s scholar, Tatian … formed a new sect called by the name of Encratites, or Continents.
1883. Ch. Q. Rev., XV. 394. By Encratites and Marcionites intoxicating liquors would have been denounced with as much fervour as by Dr. Kerr.
1885. G. Salmon, Hist. Introd. N. T., 241. The principal apocryphal Acts of the Apostles proceeded from men of Encratite views.
