sumpsimus

[ suhmp-suh-muhs ]

noun

, plural sump·si·mus·es

1. adherence to or persistence in using a strictly correct term, holding to a precise practice, etc., as a rejection of an erroneous but more common form ( mumpsimus ).
2. a person who is obstinate or zealous about such strict correctness ( mumpsimus ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of sumpsimus¹

First recorded in 1540–50; mumpsimus

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

Sumpsimus, sump′si-mus, n. a correct expression displacing an incorrect but common one (see Mumpsimus).

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg