sumpsimus

American  

[suhmp-suh-muhs] / ˈsʌmp sə məs /

noun

sumpsimuses plural

1. adherence to or persistence in using a strictly correct term, holding to a precise practice, etc., as a rejection of an erroneous but more common form (opposed to mumpsimus).

2. a person who is obstinate or zealous about such strict correctness (opposed to mumpsimus).

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• sumpsimuses
  plural

Etymology

Origin of sumpsimus

First recorded in 1540–50; see origin at mumpsimus

Example Sentences

And now let all defenders of present institutions, however bad they may be—let all violent supporters of their old mumpsimus against any new sumpsimus whatever, listen to a conversation among some undergraduates.

From Julian Home by Farrar, F. W. (Frederic William)

In the reign of Henry the Eighth, an old priest was found who for forty years had read the word sumpsimus in his breviary as mumpsimus.

From Robin Tremayne A Story of the Marian Persecution by Holt, Emily Sarah