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The Collaborative International Dictionary
Heathenism

Heathenism \Hea"then*ism\ (-[i^]z'm), n.

  1. The religious system or rites of a heathen nation; idolatry; paganism.

  2. The manners or morals usually prevalent in a heathen country; ignorance; rudeness; barbarism.

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
heathenism

c.1600, from heathen + -ism. An Old English word for it was hæðennes, and a later one was heathenry (1560s).

Wiktionary
heathenism

n. paganism, heathendom

WordNet
heathenism

n. any of various religions other than Christianity or Judaism or Islamism [syn: paganism, pagan religion]

Usage examples of "heathenism".

If in the deep midnight of heathenism the sage had been justified in seeking in the mysteries of Eleusis for a keener apprehension of the truths of primitive religion, how does this justify the Mason, in the midday effulgence of Christianity, in telling mankind he has a wonderful secret for advancing them in virtue and happiness--a secret unknown to the incarnate God, and to the Church with which he has promised the Paraclete should abide for ever?

De la Haye reproached me with the heathenism of my ideas, told me that I must abandon such impious reasonings.