feeble-minded

== English == === Etymology === === Adjective === feeble-minded (comparative more feeble-minded or feebler-minded, superlative most feeble-minded or feeblest-minded) Weak in intellectual power; lacking firmness or constancy; lacking intelligence. Synonyms: irresolute, vacillating, imbecile ==== Usage notes ==== This term was used loosely in the late 19th and the early 20th century to describe a variety of mental deficiencies, often in a medical context (as were cretin, idiot, imbecile and moron). It was originally not meant to be considered a pejorative term. By the mid-20th century, it was no longer used in medical contexts and became considered a pejorative. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === References === “feeble-minded”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.