\Gen"tile\, 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.]
One of a non-Jewish nation; one neither a Jew nor a
Christian; a worshiper of false gods; a heathen.
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.
Syn: Pagan; heathen. See {Pagan}.

\Gen"tile\, a.
1. Belonging to the nations at large, as distinguished from
   the Jews; ethnic; of pagan or heathen people.
2. (Gram.) Denoting a race or country; as, a gentile noun or
   adjective.