\Pa"gan\ (p[=a]"gan), n. [L. paganus a countryman,
peasant, villager, a pagan, fr. paganus of or pertaining to
the country, rustic, also, pagan, fr. pagus a district,
canton, the country, perh. orig., a district with fixed
boundaries: cf. pangere to fasten. Cf. {Painim}, {Peasant},
and {Pact}, also {Heathen}.]
One who worships false gods; an idolater; a heathen; one who
is neither a Christian, a Mohammedan, nor a Jew.
      Neither having the accent of Christians, nor the gait
      of Christian, pagan, nor man.            --Shak.
Syn: Gentile; heathen; idolater.
Usage: {Pagan}, {Gentile}, {Heathen}. Gentile was applied to
       the other nations of the earth as distinguished from
       the Jews. Pagan was the name given to idolaters in the
       early Christian church, because the villagers, being
       most remote from the centers of instruction, remained
       for a long time unconverted. Heathen has the same
       origin. Pagan is now more properly applied to rude and
       uncivilized idolaters, while heathen embraces all who
       practice idolatry.

\Pa"gan\, a. [L. paganus of or pertaining to the country,
pagan. See {Pagan}, n.]
Of or pertaining to pagans; relating to the worship or the
worshipers of false goods; heathen; idolatrous, as, pagan
tribes or superstitions.
      And all the rites of pagan honor paid.   --Dryden.