DUNCE


Meaning of DUNCE in English

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

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.