Meaning

heathenism; paganism; the worship of pagan gods.

Definitions by Sense

1. heathenism; paganism; the worship of pagan gods
2. a heathenish practice.
3. tribal feeling; devotion to one's gens or clan.

Example Sentences

In Scotland (especially among the Highlanders) the woemen doe make a Curtsey to the New-moon. I have known one in England doe it, and our English woemen in the Country doe retain (some of them) a touch of this Gentilisme still.

He wrote to Timothy to put him on his guard against it; and styles the gentilisms, "profane vain babblings; and oppositions of science falsely so called" (1Tim 6:20).

The organization of tribes for the purpose of the free administration of affairs was turned into an organization for plundering and oppressing their neighbors. The organs of gentilism changed from servants of the public will to independent organs of rule oppressing their own people. This could not have happened, if the greed for wealth had not divided the gentiles into rich and poor; if the "difference of property in a gens had not changed the community of interest into antagonism of the gentiles" (Karl Marx); and if the extension of slavery had not begun by branding work for a living as slavish and more ignominious than plundering.

Word Forms

• gentilisms

Related Words

When Should You Use Gentilism?

Use gentilism when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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