polytheism

Wikiquote

From French polythéisme, from Ancient Greek πολύς (polús, “many”) and θεός (theós, “god”), corresponding to poly- +‎ theism.

• IPA^(key): /pɒl.ɪˈθiː.ɪz.əm/

• Audio (US):

  (file)

polytheism (countable and uncountable, plural polytheisms)

1. The belief in the existence of multiple gods.
   • 1734, George Sale, transl., Alcoran of Mohammed:

     And remember when Lokmân said unto his son, as he admonished him, Oh my son, give not a partner unto GOD; for polytheism is a great impiety.

2. A religion or belief system with multiple gods.
   • 1941, George Ryley Scott, Phallic Worship: A History of Sex and Sex Rites in Relation to the Religions of All Races from Antiquity to the Present Day, London: T. Werner Laurie, page 14:

     The Chaldeans worshipped the seven planets. These seven planets were the "Seven Great Gods" of the ancients, and constituted a polytheism, the component members of which varied in importance, with the moon occupying the premier position.

• polyethism