mumpsimus

[ muhmp-suh-muhs ]

noun

, plural mump·si·mus·es

1. adherence to or persistence in an erroneous use of language, memorization, practice, belief, etc., out of habit or obstinacy ( sumpsimus ).
2. a person who persists in a mistaken expression or practice ( sumpsimus ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of mumpsimus¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from a story, perhaps originating with Erasmus, of an illiterate Catholic priest who, while saying the postcommunion prayer at Mass, said mumpsimus rather than sūmpsimus (1st-person plural perfect of Latin sūmere “to take, take up”): “Quod ōre sūmpsimus, Domine, pūrā mente capiāmus” (“What we have taken by mouth, O Lord, may we keep with a pure mind”) and refused to change the word when corrected; consume ( def )

Example Sentences

We are not going to change our old 'mumpsimus' for anybody's new 'sumpsimus.'

From Project Gutenberg

Sumpsimus, sump′si-mus, n. a correct expression displacing an incorrect but common one (see Mumpsimus).

From Project Gutenberg

On being remonstrated with, he retorted that “He would not leave his old mumpsimus for their new sumpsimus.”

From Project Gutenberg

Mumpsimus, mump′si-mus, n. an error to which one clings after it has been thoroughly exposed.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Beckford called the beast, or reptile, a mumpsimus (sic).

From Project Gutenberg