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.
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.
Go"tham*ist (?), n. A wiseacre; a person deficient in wisdom; -- so
called from Gotham, in Nottinghamshire, England, noted for some
pleasant blunders. Bp. Morton.
Go"tham*ite (?), n. 1. A gothamist.