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Meaning of PHILISTINE

Pronunciation:  'fili`stIn, 'filu`steen

WordNet Dictionary
 
 Definition: 
  1. [n]  a non-Semitic inhabitant of ancient Philistia
  2. [n]  a person who is uninterested in intellectual pursuits
  3. [adj]  smug and ignorant and indifferent or hostile to artistic and cultural values
 
 Websites: 
 
 Synonyms: anti-intellectual, lowbrow, nonintellectual
 
 See Also: denizen, dweller, inhabitant, pleb, plebeian

 

 

Webster's 1913 Dictionary
 
 Definition: 
  1. \Phi*lis"tine\, n. [L. Philistinus, Heb.
    Phlishth[=i], pl. Phlishth[=i]m.]
    1. A native or an inhabitant of ancient Philistia, a coast
       region of southern Palestine.
    2. A bailiff. [Cant, Eng.] [Obs.] --Swift.
    3. A person deficient in liberal culture and refinement; one
       without appreciation of the nobler aspirations and
       sentiments of humanity; one whose scope is limited to
       selfish and material interests. [Recent] --M. Arnold.
    
  2. \Phi*lis"tine\, a.
    1. Of or pertaining to the Philistines.
    2. Uncultured; commonplace.
    
 
Thesaurus Terms
 
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