1. Plural of heathendom; the lands, peoples, or collective state of those who do not follow a major world religion, especially from a historical Christian perspective.
Usage: archaic; often considered offensive in modern usage; historically used in religious or colonial contexts
2. The condition, state, or culture of being heathen; heathenism or paganism collectively.
Usage: archaic; literary

Examples

• Medieval missionaries sought to convert the heathendoms of northern Europe.
• The explorer's accounts described the customs of distant heathendoms.
• Colonial powers often justified their expansion as bringing order to heathendoms.
• Scholars now recognize that the term 'heathendoms' reflects outdated and biased perspectives.
• Religious texts from that era frequently contrasted Christendom with heathendoms.