The Duns philosopher who was the original 'dunce'

According to the Oxford English Dictionary:Dunce - a person who is slow at learning; a stupid person.

But did you know the origin of this word, and its influencer, came from the Scottish Borders?

John Duns Scotus was born 750 years ago in Duns. He was a renowned philosopher of the High Middle Ages, but those who criticised his work, named his followers 'Dunces'.

Here's a fact file about John Duns Scotus and the origins of 'dunce':

• John Duns Scotus was born around 1266, in Duns.

• He was a Franciscan priest, philosopher and theologian - one of the most highly regarded of the Middle Ages.

• He was a fan of wearing a pointed cap for learning.

• But his work went out of fashion during the Renaissance. He was mocked and those who supported him (known as Dunsmen), became known as 'Dunces'.

• The pointed cap was then associated with idiocy and stupidity.

• Duns' work enjoyed a renaissance of its own in the 20th Century.

• He was beatified in 1993 by Saint Pope John Paul II.

The 'dunce cap' was used as a form of punishment in schools. It was usually made of paper, marked with a D, and given to unruly schoolchildren to wear.

Over the years, the word 'dunce' has continued to be used to describe someone stupid or dull-witted.