2 definitions found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Dunce \Dunce\, n. [From Joannes Duns Scotus, a schoolman called
the Subtle Doctor, who died in 1308. Originally in the phrase
``a Duns man''. See Note below.]
One backward in book learning; a child or other person dull
or weak in intellect; a dullard; a dolt.
I never knew this town without dunces of figure.
--Swift.
Note: The schoolmen were often called after their great
leader Duns Scotus, Dunsmen or Duncemen In the revival
of learning they were violently opposed to classical
studies; hence the name of Dunce was applied with
scorn and contempt to an opposer of learning, or to one
slow at learning, a dullard.
From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]:
dunce
n : these words are used to express a low opinion of someone's
intelligence [syn: {dunderhead}, {numskull}, {blockhead},
{bonehead}, {lunkhead}, {hammerhead}, {knucklehead}, {loggerhead},
{muttonhead}, {shithead}, {fuckhead}]
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