Swift.
The schoolmen were often called, after their great leader Duns Scotus, Dunsmen or Duncemen. In the revival of learning they were violently opposed to classical studies; hence, the name of Dunce was applied with scorn and contempt to an opposer of learning, or to one slow at learning, a dullard.
Dunce"dom (?), n. The realm or domain of dunces. [Jocose] Carlyle.
Dun"cer*y (?), n. Dullness; stupidity.
Dun"ci*cal (?), a. Like a dunce; duncish.
The most dull and duncical commissioner.
Fuller.
Dun"ci*fy (?), v. t. [Dunce + -fy.] To make stupid in intellect. [R.] Bp. Warburton.