a name given, in antiquity, to several nations whose whole occupation was to feed and tend their flocks; and who had no fixed place of abode, but were constantly shifting, according to the conveniences of pasturage.—The word comes from the Greek νομάς, παίσος, "I feed."

The most celebrated among the Nomades were those of Africa, who inhabited between Africa, properly so called, to the east, and Mauritania to the west. They are also called Numidae, or Numidians.—Sallust says, they were a colony of Persians brought into Africa with Hercules.

The Nomades of Asia inhabited the coasts of the Caspian Sea.—The Nomades of Scythia were the inhabitants of Little Tartary; who still retain the ancient manner of living.