Heathenry
/ˈhiː.ðən.ri/noun
The state or practice of being heathen; especially, pagan belief or religion.
Did you know?The English word ultimately comes from a Germanic term used for “the people of the heath,” and in medieval Christian usage it became a loaded label for non-Christians and pagans.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*haiþinō
“A person of the heath; a non-Christian, pagan person”
Old English
OE
hǣþen
“Pagan, non-Christian”
Old English
OE
hǣþenra
“A heathen person or group”
Middle English
ME
hethen
“Heathen, pagan”
Modern English
English
heathen
“A person who does not belong to a widely held religion; a pagan”
Modern English
English
heathenry
“Pagan religion or the condition/practice of being heathen”