philistine — (n.) person deficient in liberal culture, 1827, originally in Carlyle, popularized by him and Matthew Arnold, from Ger. Philister enemy of God s word, lit. Philistine, inhabitants of a Biblical land, neighbors (and enemies) of Israel (see… … Etymology dictionary
Philistine — A Philistine (with a capital initial letter) is a member of an ancient Semitic people of Palestine. A philistine (with a small initial letter, usually) is a person who is hostile or indifferent to culture … Modern English usage
Philistine — ► NOUN 1) a member of a people of ancient Palestine who came into conflict with the Israelites. 2) (philistine) a person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts. DERIVATIVES philistinism noun. ORIGIN Greek Philistinos, from Hebrew … English terms dictionary
Philistine — Phi*lis tine, a. 1. Of or pertaining to the Philistines. [1913 Webster] 2. Uncultured; commonplace. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
philistine — I noun artless person, conformist, conventionalist, nouveau riche, social climber, traditionalist II index ordinary Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 … Law dictionary
Philistine — n in the Bible, a member of a race of people who lived in Palestine, and who were the enemies of the ↑Israelites … Dictionary of contemporary English
Philistine — O.T. people of coastal Palestine, who made war on the Israelites, mid 14c., from O.Fr. Philistin, from L.L. Philistinus, from Late Gk. Philistinoi, from Heb. P lishtim, people of P lesheth ( Philistia ); Cf. Akkad. Palastu, Egyptian Palusata; the … Etymology dictionary
philistine — n *obscurantist, barbarian … New Dictionary of Synonyms
Philistine — [fil′i stēn΄, fil′istīn΄; fi lis′tin, fi lis′tēn΄] n. [ME < LL(Ec) Philistinus, usually pl. Philistini < LGr (Josephus) philistinoi < Heb p lishtim; akin to PALESTINE] 1. a member of a non Semitic people that lived in Philistia and… … English World dictionary
Philistine — Phil·is·tine (fĭl’ĭ stēn′, fĭ lĭs’tĭn, tēn′) n. 1) A member of a people, perhaps of Aegean origin, who settled ancient Philistia around the 12th century BC. 2) often philistine A person who is smugly indifferent or hostile to art and culture. adj … Word Histories
