Heathen people collectively; heathenism or the practices and beliefs of heathens; pagan culture or religion.
From 'heathen' plus the suffix '-ry' (Old English '-ie'), which denotes a group, practice, or system. This suffix appears in words like 'archery,' 'slavery,' and 'pottery,' always indicating a collective noun or domain.
'Heathenry' sounds almost affectionate or quaint compared to harsher alternatives, which is why modern Neopagans have actually reclaimed the term 'heathenry' for their own Norse pagan reconstruction traditions.
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