Gradually, the hermit should increase the severity of these sanctions. From: hermit in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable» But the many dubious pages on this strange subject of the hermit, what are we to do with it? Zwilling, a young Augustinian hermit, added his fiery denunciations. Subjects: History – Ancient History (500 AD to 1500) A Christian hermit or hermit; The word comes from Middle English and comes from Old French from the late Latin eremita, from the base of the hermit. The hermit drew his attention to a piece of watercress on the opposite bank of the stream. The young hermit prepared his moss bed under the oak tree and was extremely satisfied with the welcome the elf had given him.