Word of the Day 4/1/2010

Fool

Definition: Fool, n-

1. One deficient in judgement or sense, one who acts or behaves stupidly, a silly person, a simpleton. (In Biblical use applied to vicious or impious persons.)
2. to be every way inferior to, to be as nothing compared to
3. A dish composed of fruit stewed, crushed, and mixed with milk, cream, or custard. Often gooseberry fool.

Etymology

(Noun, first two definitions) Middle English  fl n. and adj.  From Old French fol n. and adj. (Modern French  fou n., insane person, madman)

(Noun, last definition) Probably a use suggested by the synonym trifle, mentioned in quot. 1598. (So Skeat in Phil. Soc. Trans. 1885-7)

Modern Usage

Follows definitions above, minus the last.

All definitions and etymology information was obtained using the Online Oxford English Dictionary.