I. ˈestə(r)n, -R also -t ə n adjective
Etymology: Middle English estern, from Old English ēasterne; akin to Old High German ōstrōni eastern, Old Norse austrœnn; derivative from the root of English east (I)
1. often capitalized : of, relating to, originating or dwelling in, or characteristic of any region conventionally designated East (as the Orient, the more easterly or northeasterly part of the U.S., or the predominantly Slavic part of Europe)
proposals for settling the eastern question
eastern beef
2. usually capitalized
a. : of, relating to, or being the totality of Christian churches originating in the church of the Eastern Roman Empire and comprising various Eastern Orthodox, Uniate, Monophysite, and Nestorian churches
b. : Eastern Orthodox
3.
a. : lying toward the east
dawn breaking in the eastern sky
the eastern boundary of the state
b. : coming from the east
an eastern wind
4. often capitalized : being or characterizing the native speech of eastern New England and of the r-dropping population of New York City and its suburbs
II. noun
( -s )
Usage: usually capitalized
1. : an inhabitant of the East ; especially : oriental
2. : a member of the Eastern Church
3. : eastern American speech