dunce 
/ˈdʌns/ noun
plural dunc·es /ˈdʌns/ noun [count] old-fashioned : someone who is stupid or slow at learning things
▪ Don't be a dunce. ▪ a dunce/dunce's cap [=a tall pointy hat worn in the past by students as a punishment for failing to learn their lessons]
▪ Don't be a dunce. ▪ a dunce/dunce's cap [=a tall pointy hat worn in the past by students as a punishment for failing to learn their lessons]
