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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Dunce \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.
[1913 Webster]

I never knew this town without dunces of figure.
--Swift.
[1913 Webster]

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.
[1913 Webster]