heathenism

American  

[hee-thuh-niz-uhm] / ˈhi ðəˌnɪz əm /

noun

1. a belief or practice of heathens; idolatry.

2. barbaric morals or behavior; barbarism.

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Etymology

Origin of heathenism

First recorded in 1595–1605; heathen + -ism

Example Sentences

Heathenism is also one of America's most enduring foils, shoring up the country's fragile sense of who we are.

From Salon • Jul. 4, 2022

BUT I must here record the story of the Sinking of the Well, which broke the back of Heathenism on Aniwa.

From The Story of John G. Paton Or Thirty Years Among South Sea Cannibals by Paton, James

Heathenism was already half abandoned, and their nomad habits half laid aside.

From The Arian Controversy by Gwatkin, Henry Melvill

A. The original chapter contents listing erroneously transposed "A Crisis of Neglect and Success" and "A Westernized Heathenism."

From Quiet Talks with World Winners by Gordon, S. D. (Samuel Dickey)

It seemed a middle point between Heathenism and Christianity; and to it certain emblems and ordinances of that faith seemed to relate.

From Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry by Pike, Albert