ˈwant-wit
[f. want v. + wit n. Cf. lack-wit (lack v.1 7).]
One who lacks wit or sense.
| 1448–9 J. Metham Amoryus & Cl. 1459 But alle to late now, as wantewyttys we make owre mone. 1579 W. Wilkinson Confut. Fam. Love 41 Shall we thinke..that he would be such a want witte as to take all kynde of coine..and neuer examine it? 1596 Shakes. Merch. V. i. i. 6 And such a Want-wit sadnesse makes of mee, That I haue much ado to know my selfe. 1610 Chester's Triumph (Chetham Soc.) C 3, Because I hate to heare a want-wit preach Beyond wits bounds. [1684 Bunyan Pilgr. ii. (1900) 266 They saw one Fool, and one Want-wit, washing of an Ethiopian with intention to make him white.] 1900 H. Sutcliffe Shameless Wayne iii. (1905) 42 She trembled now to think that they had turned a want-wit..into the heart of the pathless and bog-riddled heath. |
b. attrib. or adj. Witless, senseless.
| 1894 ‘G. Egerton’ Keynotes 44, I laugh at myself for my want-wit agitation. 1900 H. Sutcliffe Shameless Wayne iii. (1905) 47 To pick a quarrel with the want-wit fellow. |