'Dunce' definitions:

Definition of 'Dunce'

From: GCIDE
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • I never knew this town without dunces of figure. --Swift. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'dunce'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Dunce'