mumpsimus

[ muhmp-suh-muhs ]

noun

, plural mump·si·mus·es

1. adherence to or persistence in an erroneous use of language, memorization, practice, belief, etc., out of habit or obstinacy ( sumpsimus ).
2. a person who persists in a mistaken expression or practice ( sumpsimus ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of mumpsimus¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from a story, perhaps originating with Erasmus, of an illiterate Catholic priest who, while saying the postcommunion prayer at Mass, said mumpsimus rather than sūmpsimus (1st-person plural perfect of Latin sūmere “to take, take up”): “Quod ōre sūmpsimus, Domine, pūrā mente capiāmus” (“What we have taken by mouth, O Lord, may we keep with a pure mind”) and refused to change the word when corrected; consume ( def )

Example Sentences

We are not going to change our old 'mumpsimus' for anybody's new 'sumpsimus.'

From Project Gutenberg

If men prefer their “mumpsimus” to our “sumpsimus,” let them by all means have it: but pray let them keep their rubbish to themselves,—and at least leave our Saviour's words alone.

From Project Gutenberg

So the reformers who call it “mulligatunny” are just as bad as we devotees of mumpsimus and mulligatawny ourselves.

From Project Gutenberg

On being remonstrated with, he retorted that “He would not leave his old mumpsimus for their new sumpsimus.”

From Project Gutenberg

And now let all defenders of present institutions, however bad they may be—let all violent supporters of their old mumpsimus against any new sumpsimus whatever, listen to a conversation among some undergraduates.

From Project Gutenberg