Definition of "celibate"

Even during the ages that priestly marriage was permitted, celibates obtained a higher reputation for sanctity and virtue than married priests, who infinitely more than celibates were believed subject to infestation by demons.

1893, Matilda Joslyn Gage, Woman, Church and State: A Historical Account of the Status of Woman Through the Christian Ages: with Reminiscences of the Matriarchate

He […] preferreth holy celibate before the estate of marriage.

1678, Antiquitates Christianæ: Or, the History of the Life and Death of the Holy Jesus: […], London: […] E. Flesher, and R. Norton, for R[ichard] Royston, […]

And Mrs. Gorman had had several admirers, both before and after Mr. Gorman, and even during Mr. Gorman, and Watt at least two well defined romances, in the course of his celibate.

1953, Samuel Beckett, Watt, Olympia Press

However, be that as it may, Stason celebrated with the boys while Hessel celibated alone.

1941, Michigan Raw Review, page 34

These kids were winding up 45 years and 4 days of celebrating. Me? I'm winding up seven years of celibating looking for a patient virgin.

1973, Stevens Indicator - Volumes 90-91, page 55

RICHARD: The Franciscans have turned me down, Angelina. They have asked me to travel another road to sainthood. TOM: Richard is done with celibating!

1983, Jerry Bamman, Ecco!, page 1-36

But if she must break off her celibating, it's a shame and a pity she had to choose him to do it with.

2010, Joan Smith, Aurora

But also with labels like “whore” and “slut”, as a male, it's annoying, because, women don't need to be chastised and made colder in this ice age we live in— they need to be warmed up, turned on, complimented, celebrated (not celibated), encouraged to enjoy their bodies, and pursue pleasure soberly and intelligently.

2012, Ted Huntington, Big Science Secrets, Lies, and Mistakes, page 129