Goth (?), n. [L. Gothi, pl.; cf. Gr. &?;]
1. (Ethnol.) One of an ancient
Teutonic race, who dwelt between the Elbe and the Vistula in the early
part of the
Christian era, and who overran and took an important part in subverting the Roman empire.
&fist; Under the reign of
Valens, they took possession of Dacia (the modern Transylvania and the adjoining regions), and came to be known as Ostrogoths and Visigoths, or East and West Goths; the former inhabiting countries on the Black Sea
up to the
Danube, and the latter on this river generally. Some of them took
possession of the province of Moesia, and hence were called
Moesogoths. Others, who made their way to Scandinavia, at a time unknown to history, are sometimes styled Suiogoths.
2. One who is rude or uncivilized; a barbarian; a rude, ignorant person. Chesterfield.
Hear it pronounced