sot

Definition

Stupid person; fool.

Etymology

From Middle English sot, from Old English sot, sott (“foolish, stupid”), from Medieval Latin sottus (“foolish”), of obscure origin and relation. Possibly an expressive interjection, similar to French zut! (“damn it!”). Compare Middle Low German sot (“insane, foolish, stupid”), Middle Dutch sot ("foolish, absurd, stupid"; > modern Dutch zot), French sot (“stupid, foolish, goofy”).

Example Sentences

• "Remember First to possess his books; for without them He's but a sot, as I am […]"
• "c. 1670-1680, John Oldham, The Eighth Satire of Monsieur Boileau, imitated In Egypt oft has seen the Sot bow down, And reverence some deified Baboon."
• "Every sign That calls the staring sots to nasty wine."