essene(n = noun.person) - a member of an ascetic Jewish sect around the time of Jesus;
is a kind of hebrew, israelite, jew
essene(a = adj.pert) - said of or relating to the Essenes;
One of a sect among the Jews in the time of our Savior, remarkable for their strictness and abstinence. [1913 Webster]
essene, n. a member of an ancient Jewish ascetic sect living communally.
Etymology:
L pl. Esseni f. Gk pl. Essenoi