n. & adj.
n. 1 hist. a member of any of the bands of English artisans who rioted against mechanization and destroyed machinery (1811-16). 2 a person opposed to increased industrialization or new technology.
adj. of the Luddites or their beliefs. Luddism n. Ludditism n.
[ perh. f. Ned Lud, who destroyed machinery c. 1779 ]