'Idiotism' definitions:

Definition of 'Idiotism'

From: GCIDE
  • Idiotism \Id"i*ot*ism\, n. [F. idiotisme, L. idiotismus the way of fashion of a private person, the common or vulgar manner of speaking, Gr. ?, fr. ? to put into or use common language, fr. ?. See Idiot.]
  • 1. An idiom; a form, mode of expression, or signification, peculiar to a language. [1913 Webster]
  • Scholars sometimes give terminations and idiotisms, suitable to their native language, unto words newly invented. --M. Hale. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Lack of knowledge or mental capacity; idiocy; foolishness. [1913 Webster]
  • Worse than mere ignorance or idiotism. --Shaftesbury. [1913 Webster]
  • The running that adventure is the greatist idiotism. --Hammond. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'Idiotism'