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 ]

☞ 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 ]

n. The realm or domain of dunces. [ Jocose ] Carlyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Dullness; stupidity. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Like a dunce; duncish. [ 1913 Webster ]

The most dull and duncical commissioner. Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ Dunce + -fy. ] To make stupid in intellect. [ R. ] Bp. Warburton. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Somewhat like a dunce. [ R. ]

-- Dun"cish*ness, n. [R.] [1913 Webster]