pagan

 
Pronunciation: /ˈpeɪg(ə)n/

noun

  • a person holding religious beliefs other than those of the main world religions: a Muslim majority had to live in close proximity to large communities of Christians and pagans
  • dated, derogatory a non-Christian.
  • a member of a modern religious movement which seeks to incorporate beliefs or practices from outside the main world religions, especially nature worship.

adjective

  • relating to pagans or their beliefs: a pagan god

Derivatives

paganish

adjective

paganism

noun

paganize

(also paganise) verb

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin paganus 'villager, rustic', from pagus 'country district'. Latin paganus also meant 'civilian', becoming, in Christian Latin, 'heathen' (i.e. one not enrolled in the army of Christ)