gentīlĭtas, ātis, f. [gentilis], the relationship of those who belong to the same gens.
I Lit.: gentilitatum, agnationum, etc. ... jura, Cic. de Or. 1, 38, 173; cf.: de toto stirpis ac gentilitatis jure dicere, id. ib. 1, 39, 176; Plin. Pan. 37, 2.—
II Transf.
A Concr., relatives bearing the same name , kindred : omnes Tarquinios eicerent, ne quam reditionis per gentilitatem spem haberent, Varr. ap. Non. 222, 17: gentilitas ejus Manlii cognomen ejuravit, Aur. Vict. Vir. Ill. 24; Inscr. Orell. 156; 1663.—In plur.: sparsas atque ut ita dicam laceras gentilitates colligere, Plin. Pan. 39, 3.—
B Of plants, bearing the same name , Plin. 23, 7, 65, § 131; 12, 13, 30, § 51.—
C In eccl. Lat., heathenism , paganism : gentilitas (opp. Dei religio), Lact. 2, 13 fin. ; Vulg. Judith, 14, 6.—
2 Concr., the heathen, pagans , Prud. στεφ. 10, 1086; Tert. Verg. Vel. 2; Hier. ad Ephes. 5 fin.