Pagan

Pronunciation

• enPR: pā'gÉ™n, IPA: /ˈpeɪɡən/
• Rhymes: -eɪɡən

Origin

Recorded in English since c1375. From Latin pāgānus ("rural, rustic"), later "civilian". The meaning "not (Judeo-)Christian" arose in Vulgar Latin, probably from the 4th century.

Augustine of Hippo, Divers. Quaest. 83.

It is unclear whether this usage is derived primarily from the "rustic" or from the "civilian" meaning, which in Roman army jargon meant 'clumsy'. As a self-designation of neopagans attested since 1990.

Full definition of pagan

Adjective

1. Relating to, characteristic of or adhering to non-Abrahamist religions, especially earlier polytheism.''Many converted societies transformed their pagan deities into saints.
2. (by extension) Savage, immoral, uncivilized, wild.

Synonyms

• (religion) heathenish
• (civilisation) barbarian, barbaric

Antonyms

• (religion) Abrahamist, Judeo-Christian

Hyponyms

• pantheistic
• nature-worshipping
• neo-pagan

Derived terms

• paganism
• neopagan
• paganly

Noun

1. A person not adhering to any major or recognized religion, especially a heathen or non-Abrahamist, follower of a pantheistic or nature-worshipping religion, neopagan.This community has a surprising number of pagans.
2. (by extension) An uncivilized or unsocialized person
3. Especially an unruly, badly educated child.

Synonyms

• (heathen) paynim
• (uncivilised) philistine, savage
• (child) brat

Derived terms

• neo-pagan

Related terms

• peasant
• paynim

Anagrams

• panga