Oc"ci*dent (?), n. [F., fr. L. occidens, occidentis, fr. occidents, p.pr. of occidere to fall or go down. See Occasion.]

The part of the horizon where the sun last appears in the evening; that part of the earth towards the sunset; the west; -- opposed to orient. Specifically, in former times, Europe as opposed to Asia; now, also, the Western hemisphere.

Chaucer.

I may wander from east to occident. Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.