ˈdən(t)s noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: alteration of earlier duns, after John Duns Scotus died ab 1308 Scottish scholastic theologian, whose once widely accepted writings were strongly ridiculed in the 16th century
1. obsolete
a. : a copy of writings by Duns Scotus
b. : a textbook, comment, or gloss containing his teachings or written after his manner
2. obsolete
a. : scotist : a sophist who cavils or splits hairs
b. : pedant
3. : a dull-witted and stupid person : dumbbell , dullard