mother wit

[ muhth-er wit ]

noun

1. natural or practical intelligence, wit, or sense.

mother wit

noun

1. native practical intelligence; common sense

Word History and Origins

Origin of mother wit¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English moderis wytte

Example Sentences

Then his mother-wit came out, his lively humour and practical common sense—all unstudied and natural.

From Project Gutenberg

Now, youve been skating with Mother Wit and have caught her inventive geniusits contagious.

From Project Gutenberg

Usually the teacher was very lenient with Mother Wit, for of all her pupils Laura gave her the least trouble.

From Project Gutenberg

Jess carried this idea in her mind, although she was not as much troubled by her schoolmates foolishness as was Mother Wit.

From Project Gutenberg

It wasnt very late, and, anyway, Jess couldnt have slept that night without talking the matter over with Mother Wit.

From Project Gutenberg