Philistine — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A non-Semitic person from ancient Philistia, a region in the southwest Levant in the Middle East.

   Usage

   • Historical

   Synonyms

   Palestine

   Examples

   More examples (2)

   Then the lords of the Philiſtines gathered them together, for to offer a great ſacrifice vnto Dagon their god, and to reioyce; for they ſaid, Our god hath deliuered Samſon our enemy into our hand.

   Sunning himself on the board steps, I saw for the first time Mr. Farquhar Fenelon Cooke. He was dressed out in broad gaiters and bright tweeds, like an English tourist, and his face might have belonged to Dagon, idol of the Philistines.

2. An opponent (of the speaker, writer, etc); an enemy, a foe.

   Usage

   • Figurative
   • plural-normally

   Examples

   In very truth what could poor old Abbot Hugo do? A frail old man; and the Philistines were upon him,—that is to say, the Hebrews.

3. In German universities: a person not associated with the university; a non-academic or non-student; a townsperson.

   Usage

   • Historical

   Synonyms

   Philister

Adjective

1. Originating from ancient Philistia; of or pertaining to the ancient Philistines.

   Usage

   • Historical

Adjective

1. of or relating to ancient Philistia or its culture or its people

Noun

1. a member of an Aegean people who settled ancient Philistia around the 12th century BC

   Broader terms

   inhabitanthabitantdwellerdenizenindweller