I. səˈmarət ə n, -mer-, -rətən, -rəd.ən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin samaritanus, from samaritanus of the inhabitants of Samaria, from Greek samaritēs inhabitant of Samaria (from Samaria, district of ancient Palestine + Greek -itēs -ite) + Latin -anus -an
1. capitalized
a. : a native or inhabitant of Samaria in ancient Palestine — compare israelite 1a
b. : the dialect of Hebrew used by the Samaritans
2. usually capitalized : a member of a dwindling sect in Nablus similar in doctrine to the Jews except for their centralization of worship at Mount Gerizim and the limitation of their Scriptures to the Pentateuch
3. often capitalized
[so called from the parable of the good Samaritan, Lk 10: 30-37]
: a compassionate person : one who is ready to help the distressed
II. adjective
Etymology: Late Latin samaritanus of the inhabitants of Samaria
1. usually capitalized : of or relating to Samaria or the Samaritans
2. : compassionate