Noun
- 1. a. A person not subscribing to any major or recognized religion, esp. the dominant religion of a particular society; spec. a heathen, a non-Christian, esp. considered as savage, uncivilized, etc. Now chiefly hist.
- b. A follower of a pantheistic or nature-worshipping religion; esp. a neopagan.
- 2. In extended use.
Adjective
- 1. a. Holding, characteristic of, or relating to those who do not subscribe to any major or recognized religion, esp. the dominant religion of a particular society; spec. heathen, non-Christian or pre-Christian (usually with connotations of savagery or primitiveness). Now chiefly hist.
- b. Pantheistic, nature-worshipping; (now) esp. neopagan.
- 2. In extended use: immoral, spiritually lacking; uncivilized, backward, savage.