1. resembling or characteristic of heathens; uncivilized or irreligious
Usage: often considered archaic or offensive; historically used to describe non-Christian peoples or practices
2. crude, rude, or barbarous in manner or behavior
Usage: informal; dated

Examples

• The explorer described the local customs as heathenish and strange.
• His heathenish behavior at the dinner table shocked the other guests.
• The missionaries sought to convert what they viewed as heathenish populations.
• She found his heathenish disregard for tradition quite offensive.
• The tribe's heathenish practices were documented by early anthropologists.
• His heathenish manners made him unwelcome in polite society.