sciolous

English

Etymology

From Latin scīlus, sciolus, diminutive of scius (“knowing”), from sciō (“to know”). See science.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈsaɪələs/

Adjective

sciolous (comparative more sciolous, superlative most sciolous)

1. (archaic) Knowing superficially or imperfectly.
   • 1640, I. H. [i.e., James Howell], ΔΕΝΔΡΟΛΟΓΊΑ [DENDROLOGIA]. Dodona’s Grove, or, The Vocall Forrest, London: […] T[homas] B[adger] for H. Mosley [i.e., Humphrey Moseley] […], →OCLC:

     I could wish, that these sciolous Zealots had more Iudgment joyn'd with their Zeal

   • 1856, Charles Jared Ingersoll, African Slavery in America:

     Notwithstanding much sciolous speculation concerning slavery, […] yet by overruling Providence men have been slaves of masters in all ages and in every country.

References

“sciolous”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.