Gen'tile1, n.
(Synop., § 130), n. [Lat. 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; Fr., Pr., & Sp. gentil, It. gentile, Pg. gentil, gentio. See GENTLE.] One of a gentile or non-Jewish nation; a worshiper of false gods; a heathen.
The Hebrews included in the term goim, or nations, all the tribes of men who had not received the true faith, and were not circumcised. The Christians translated goim by the L. gentes, and imitated the Jews in giving the name gentiles to all nations who were not Jews or Christians. In civil affairs, the denomination was given to all nations who were not Romans.
Synonyms—Pagan; heathen. See PAGAN.