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dunderhead

[duhn-der-hed] /ˈdʌn dərˌhɛd/
noun
1.
a dunce; blockhead; numbskull.
Also called dunderpate
[duhn-der-peyt] /ˈdʌn dərˌpeɪt/ (Show IPA).
Origin of dunderhead
Dutch
1615-1625
1615-25; apparently < Dutch dunder(kop) numbskull (dunder thunder + kop head) + head
Related forms
dunderheaded, adjective
dunderheadedness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2017.
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British Dictionary definitions for dunderpate

dunderhead

/ˈdʌndəˌhɛd/
noun
1.
a stupid or slow-witted person; dunce Also called dunderpate
Derived Forms
dunderheaded, adjective
dunderheadedness, noun
Word Origin
C17: probably from Dutch donder thunder + head; compare blockhead
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word Origin and History for dunderpate

dunderhead

n.

1620s, from head (n.); the first element is obscure; perhaps from Middle Dutch doner, donder "to thunder" (cf. blunderbuss).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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