macaroni philosopher en · NOUN
Etymology
Compare macaronic.
Meanings
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(derogatory, nonce-word, obsolete) One who mixes up and confuses different topics of study.
in this fanciful æra, macaroni philoſophers hold flirtation with ſcience, taken the lead of all the other elementſ, and thoſe whoſe nerves have found no relief in change of ſky, or variety, ſeek for a refuge here, in fixed air.
1797, Thomas Erskine, “Mr. Erſkine's Deſcripton of Buxton”, in The Monthly Magazine, volume 3, page 92:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| macaroni philosophers | Number=Plur | lexicographic |