idiotism Meaning, Definition & Usage

Id"i*ot*ism noun

Etymology

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.

Definitions

1. An idiom; a form, mode of expression, or signification, peculiar to a language.

   Scholars sometimes give terminations and idiotisms, suitable to their native language, unto words newly invented. M. Hale.

2. Lack of knowledge or mental capacity; idiocy; foolishness.

   Worse than mere ignorance or idiotism. Shaftesbury.

   The running that adventure is the greatist idiotism. Hammond.