samnite

noun

1. an ancient country in central Italy.

noun

1. a member of an Oscan-speaking people of the S Apennines, who clashed repeatedly with Rome between 350 bc and 200 bc

adjective

2. of or relating to this people

noun

1. an ancient country of central Italy inhabited by Oscan-speaking Samnites: corresponds to the present-day regions of Abruzzi, Molise, and part of Campania

n.member of an ancient people who inhabited Samnium in Italy, late 14c., from Latin Samnites (plural), from Samnium, probably related to Sabine (q.v.).