sumpsimus

English

Etymology

From Latin sumpsimus, c. 1540–50.

Noun

sumpsimus (countable and uncountable, plural sumpsimuses)

1. Adherence to or persistence in using a strictly correct term in rejection of a more common (but technically incorrect) form.
   • c. 1575, Edward Underhill, Autobiography, John Nichols (ed.)

     I'll not change my old mumpsimus for your new sumpsimus!

   • 1545, Henry VIII of England, a speech:

     Some be too stiff in their old mumpsimus, others be too busy and curious in their sumpsimus.

2. A person obstinate or zealous about such correctness; a pedant.

Antonyms

• mumpsimus

See also

• prescriptivist

Latin

Verb

sūmpsimus

1. first-person plural perfect active indicative of sūmō