Wiktionary
n. The first (student) ashrama in Hindu culture in which a person is dedicated to the quest for self-realization.
Wikipedia
Brahmacharya (; Devanagari: ब्रह्मचर्य) literally means "going after Brahman (Supreme Reality, Self or God)". In Indian religions, it is also a concept with various context-driven meanings.
In one context, brahmacharya is the first of four ashrama (age-based stages) of a human life, with grihastha (householder), vanaprastha (forest dweller) and sannyasa (renunciation) being the other three asramas. The brahmacharya (bachelor student) stage of one's life, up to 25 years of age, was focused on education and included the practice of celibacy. In this context, it connotes chastity during the student stage of life for the purposes of learning from a guru (teacher), and during later stages of life for the purposes of attaining spiritual liberation ( moksha).
In another context, brahmacharya is the virtue of celibacy when unmarried and fidelity when married. It represents a virtuous lifestyle that also includes simple living, meditation and other behaviors.
In the Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist monastic traditions, brahmacharya implies, among other things, the mandatory renuncation of sex and marriage. It is considered necessary for a monk's spiritual practice. Western notions of the religious life as practiced in monastic settings mirror these characteristics.
Usage examples of "brahmacharya".
Rama enjoyed watching the brahmacharya novice relish the sour juice with the satisfaction of a palace brahmin finishing his tenth glass of bhaang at a Holi feast.
The brahmacharya acolytes ran alongside them, waving and yelling out words of encouragement.
Lakshman roared with laughter at that, while the young brahmacharya cried out in horror.
Lakshman giggled as the brahmacharya stepped back, lost his footing, and splashed down on his bare bottom in the mud of the bank.
Rama enjoyed watching the brahmacharya novice relish the sour juice with the satisfaction of a palace brahmin finishing his tenth glass of bhaang at a Holi feast.