feeble-minded
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See also: feebleminded
English
Adjective
feeble-minded (comparative feebler-minded, superlative feeblest-minded)
- Weak in intellectual power; lacking firmness or constancy; lacking intelligence
- Synonyms: irresolute, vacillating, imbecile
Usage notes
This term was used loosely in the late 19th and the early 20th century to describe a variety of mental deficiencies, often in a medical context (as were cretin, idiot, imbecile and moron). It was originally not meant to be considered a pejorative term. By the mid-20th century, it was no longer used in medical contexts and became considered a pejorative.
Derived terms
Related terms
Translations
unintelligent
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References
- “feeble-minded”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.