Ig`no*ra"mus (?), n. [L., we are ignorant. See Ignore.]

1. Law

We are ignorant; we ignore; -- being the word formerly written on a bill of indictment by a grand jury when there was not sufficient evidence to warrant them in finding it a true bill. The phrase now used is, "No bill," "No true bill," or "Not found," though in some jurisdictions "Ignored" is still used.

Wharton (Law Dict. ). Burn.

2. (pl. Ignoramuses ().)

A stupid, ignorant person; a vain pretender to knowledge; a dunce.

An ignoramus in place and power. South.

 

© Webster 1913.