Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Dunce
Dunce
,Noun.
[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.
☞ 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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Dunce
DUNCE
,Noun.
I never knew this town without dunces of figure.