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.
Derivatives:
Luddism n. Ludditism n.
Etymology: perh. f. Ned Lud, who destroyed machinery c. 1779