heathenish

American  

[hee-thuh-nish] / ˈhi ðə nɪʃ /

adjective

1. of or relating to heathens.

   heathenish practices of idolatry.

2. like or befitting heathens; barbarous.

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heathenish British  

/ ˈhiːðənɪʃ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling a heathen or heathen culture

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Other Word Forms

• heathenishly
  adverb
• heathenishness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of heathenish

before 900; Old English hǣthenisc. See heathen, -ish ¹

Example Sentences

"Heathenish stuff!" he muttered, and suddenly thundered out, "Pasiance!"

From Villa Rubein, and other stories by Galsworthy, John

Heathenish religion was spread indeed universally through the world, but that was not one religion, but one name.

From The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning by Binning, Hugh

Quoth HUDIBRAS, These sad effects Spring from your Heathenish neglects Of Love's great pow'r, which he returns Upon yourselves with equal scorns; 390 And those who worthy lovers slight, Plagues with prepost'rous appetite.

From Hudibras by Butler, Samuel

Some look upon him as the then King at Arms to the Heathenish Deities; and make no more of his Eyes than as so many Spangles of his Herald's Coat.

From The Spectator, Volume 2. by Addison, Joseph