paynim

American  

[pey-nim] / ˈpeɪ nɪm /

noun

Archaic.

1. a pagan or heathen.

2. a Muslim.

3. pagandom; heathendom.

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paynim British  

/ ˈpeɪnɪm /

noun

1. a heathen or pagan

2. a Muslim

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Other Word Forms

• paynimhood noun

Etymology

Origin of paynim

1200–50; Middle English: pagan (noun and adj.), pagan countries, heathendom < Old French pai ( e ) nime < Late Latin pāgānismus paganism

Example Sentences

To a paynim or scoffer, it is valueless.

From Time Magazine Archive

He was a learned paynim or saracen, called Sir Palomides.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

This paynim sincerely wishes that it were not so dark.”

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

With this the unfortunate paynim let go of the cliff with both hands and appeared to be sinking into the monster’s jaws—but that Sir Grummore caught him, and the remaining buttons held him in position.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White

The barons listen with an ill-will to this speech; Baldwin himself, on viewing the paynim host, is staggered at their numbers, and lets Sebile persuade him to send a messenger to his uncle.

From Hero Tales and Legends of the Rhine by Spence, Lewis