Dĕn'i-zen1, n.
(dĕn'ĭ-zn), n. [Also written denisen, denison, Norm. Fr. deinszein, from Lat. donatio, O. Fr. donazon, donaison, donation, because he was made a subject ex donatione regis, by the king's letters patent; but cf. also W. dinesydd, pl. dinasyddion, a citizen, a freeman of a city, from dinas, a city.]
Sense 1. One who is admitted by favor to all or a part of the rights of citizenship, where he did not possess them by birth; an adopted or naturalized citizen.
Sense 2. Hence, a stranger admitted to residence in a foreign country.
Ye gods, Natives, or denizens, of blest abodes. Dryden.
Sense 3. A dweller; an inhabitant. “Denizens of air.” Pope. “Denizens of their own free, independent state.” W. Scott.