Lit. 'self-appointed'. One of the four kinds of monk, as described in an AS version of the rule of St Benedict. According to that rule the sylfdema had never adhered to any rule nor been taught by a master: they were 'soft as lead'. They went about in twos or threes or even singly 'without a shepherd, not enclosed in the Lord's sheepfold'. They just followed 'the enjoyment of their will instead of a rule; whatever they think fit or choose to do they call holy'. -
Dictionary of Medieval Terms and Phrases. Christopher Coredon with Ann Williams.