Pagan

From Fresh Dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Translations 1.4 Noun 1.4.1 Translations 1.5 Related terms

English

Etymology

From Latin paganus, "peasant, rural, rustic". The term was actually used as an insult by the early Christians to belittle what remained of the native religions.

Pronunciation

• pā'gən, /ˈpeɪɡən/, /"peIg@n/

  Rhymes: -eɪɡən

Adjective

pagan

1. Relating to local religions practiced before the introduction of Christianity.

   Many societies kept their pagan deities in the form of saints.

2. Relating to a broad spectrum religious practices, generally lacking a strong hierarchical structure and emphasizing a personal relationship with natural forces and cycles.

   Celebrating the cross-quarter days is said to be an ancient pagan practice.

Translations

• Finnish: pakanallinen (1, 2), pakana- (prefix in a compound)
• Swedish: hednisk

Noun

1. A pagan person.

   This community has a surprising number of pagans.

Translations

• Finnish: pakana
• Swedish: hedning c

Related terms

• neo-pagan
• paganism

ang:pagan ar:pagan pl:pagan fi:pagan