GRIMALICO (GRIMLAIUS). — Author of the first Rule for "recluses," from the 9th century. No information about his life is available. Examination of the Rule—the only surviving writing of his—suggests he was a priest and a "recluse" in the diocese of Metz.
The *Regula solitariorum*, intended for "recluses" or voluntary "imprisoned" persons ("carcer retrusionis" is the term used in chap. 14 for their "cell," described in chap. 16), is more a spiritual guide for the recluse, even if a priest, than a series of prescriptions. The author, who draws on many sources, especially the Rule of St. Benedict, reveals himself as learned, pious, and discreet; he treats of detachment from the world and contemplation; for spiritual progress he strongly recommends study (chap. 20: PL 103, 599). Published by Luc d’Achery (*Regula solitaria*, Paris 1653), it was included in the *Codex Regularum* of Lucas Holstenius (Rome 1661; Paris 1663), whence it passed into PL 103, 573–664.