1. A portion of the Philistines, supposed by many to have originated in Crete, 1 Samuel 30:14 Ezekiel 25:16 Zephaniah 2:5

2. A portion of David's bodyguard, always mentioned with the Pelethites, 2 Samuel 8:18 15:18 20:7 1 Chronicles 18:17. Some suppose that they were foreigners, whom David took into his service while among the Philistines. The Gittites mentioned with them in 2 Samuel 15:18, were plainly such. Others think they had their name from their office-executioners and runners. See PELETHITES.