I. ˈhē-thən adjective
Etymology: Middle English hethen, from Old English hǣthen; akin to Old High German heidan heathen, and probably to Old English hǣth heath
Date: before 12th century
1. : of or relating to heathens, their religions, or their customs
2. : strange , uncivilized
II. noun
( plural heathens or heathen )
Date: before 12th century
1. : an unconverted member of a people or nation that does not acknowledge the God of the Bible
2. : an uncivilized or irreligious person
• hea·then·dom -dəm noun
• hea·then·ism -thə-ˌni-zəm noun
• hea·then·ize -thə-ˌnīz transitive verb