GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Heathen , n.; pl. Heathens  or collectively Heathen. [OE. hethen, AS. hǣðen, prop. an adj. fr. hǣð heath, and orig., therefore, one who lives in the country or on the heaths and in the woods (cf. pagan, fr. pagus village); akin to OS. hēðin, adj., D. heiden a heathen, G. heide, OHG. heidan, Icel. heiðinn, adj., Sw. heden, Goth. haiþnō, n. fem. See Heath, and cf. Hoiden.]
   An individual of the pagan or unbelieving nations, or those which worship idols and do not acknowledge the true God; a pagan; an idolater.
   1913 Webster
   An irreligious person.
   1913 Webster
   If it is no more than a moral discourse, he may preach it and they may hear it, and yet both continue unconverted heathens.
   V. Knox.
   
   1913 Webster
   The heathen, as the term is used in the Scriptures, all people except the Jews; now used of all people except Christians, Jews, and Muslims.
   1913 Webster
   Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance.
   Ps. ii. 8.
   Syn. -- Pagan; gentile. See Pagan.
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Heathen , a.
    Gentile; pagan; as, a heathen author. “The heathen philosopher.” “All in gold, like heathen gods.” 
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   Barbarous; unenlightened; heathenish.
   1913 Webster
   Irreligious; scoffing.
   1913 Webster