idiotism


idiotism

(ˈɪdɪəˌtɪzəm) n1. an archaic word for idiocy2. (Linguistics) an obsolete word for idiom

id•i•ot•ism1

(ˈɪd i əˌtɪz əm)

n. idiocy. [1585–95; idiot + -ism]

id•i•ot•ism2

(ˈɪd i əˌtɪz əm)

n. Archaic. an idiom. [1580–90; < Latin idiōtismus < Greek idiōtismós a vulgar phrase, peculiar way of speaking]

idiotism

1. the condition of an idiot, especially an extreme degree of mental deficiency, usually a mental age of less than three or four years; idiocy.
2. idiotic conduct or action, especially in a normal person. — idiotie, adj.
See also: Idiocy