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. ] 1. One neither a Jew nor a Christian; a worshiper of false gods; a heathen. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A person who is not Jewish; -- used in this sense by Jews.
Syn. -- goy[ male ], shiksa[ female ]. [ PJC ]

☞ The Hebrews included in the term gōyim, or nations, all the tribes of men who had not received the true faith, and were not circumcised. The Christians translated gōyim 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. As used by Mormons, the term gentile designates any person who is not a Mormon.

Syn. -- Pagan; heathen. See Pagan. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. Belonging to the nations at large, as distinguished from the Jews; ethnic; of pagan or heathen people. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Gram.) Denoting a race or country; as, a gentile noun or adjective. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Zool.) See Falcon-gentil. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ OF. gentilesse, gentelise, F. gentillesse. See Gentle. a. ] Gentleness; courtesy; kindness; nobility. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]