\Dunce\, 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.
      I never knew this town without dunces of figure.
                                               --Swift.
Note: 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.