1. the beliefs, practices, or way of life of heathens; paganism or non-Christian religion
Usage: often used in historical or religious contexts; can be considered dated or offensive in modern usage
2. people collectively who are heathens; heathen peoples or nations
Usage: archaic or historical usage

Examples

• Medieval missionaries sought to convert the heathenry of Northern Europe to Christianity.
• The scholar studied the heathenry of ancient Germanic tribes.
• In historical texts, heathenry often referred to any non-Abrahamic religious practice.
• The colonial powers viewed the indigenous heathenry with suspicion and disdain.
• Religious reformers condemned what they called the heathenry of the pagan world.