Gentile \Gen"tile\ (j[e^]n"t[imac]l), n. [L. gentilis belonging
to the same clan, stock, race, people, or nation; in
opposition to Roman, a foreigner; in opposition to Jew or
Christian, a heathen: cf. F. gentil. See Gentle, a.]
1. One neither a Jew nor a Christian; a worshiper of false
gods; a heathen.
[1913 Webster]
2. A person who is not Jewish; -- used in this sense by Jews.
Syn: goy[male], shiksa[female].
[PJC]
Gentile \Gen"tile\, a.
1. Belonging to the nations at large, as distinguished from
the Jews; ethnic; of pagan or heathen people.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Gram.) Denoting a race or country; as, a gentile noun or
adjective.
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Note: The Hebrews included in the term g[=o]yim, or nations,
all the tribes of men who had not received the true
faith, and were not circumcised. The Christians
translated g[=o]yim by the L. gentes, and imitated the
Jews in giving the name gentiles to all nations who
were neither Jews nor Christians. In civil affairs, the
denomination was given to all nations who were not
Romans. As used by Mormons, the term gentile designates
any person who is not a Mormon.
Syn: Pagan; heathen. See Pagan.
[1913 Webster]