heathenish

[ hee-thuh-nish ]

adjective

1. of or relating to heathens:

   heathenish practices of idolatry.

2. like or befitting heathens; barbarous.

ˈheathenish

/ ˈhiːðənɪʃ /

adjective

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

Derived Forms

• ˈheathenishness, noun
• ˈheathenishly, adverb

Other Words From

• heathen·ish·ly adverb
• heathen·ish·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of heathenish¹

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

Example Sentences

"This heathenish practice is a disgraceful stain upon the escutcheon of our State," said Ida.

From Project Gutenberg

Oh, in a kind of a heathenish, out-of-the-way place, and teaches school for a living.

From Project Gutenberg

Even bear-baiting was esteemed heathenish and unchristian: the sport of it, not the inhumanity, gave offence.

From Project Gutenberg

That's a heathenish word, Tony, and most unsuited to be used in thankfulness for God's blessings.

From Project Gutenberg

Therefore such heathenish lamentations were to be henceforward out of place.

From Project Gutenberg