dummy

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   having the appearance of being real but lacking capacity to function

   A dummy corporation.

2. 2
   verb

   make a dummy of

   Dummy up the books that are to be published.

3. 3
   noun

   A silent person; a person who does not talk.

   The man's name […] was engraved in the centre, and beneath this, written in ink with the same elaborate precision as the engraving, there was a brief message. I am a deaf-mute, but I read the lips and understand what is said to me. Please do not shout. […] Singer looked very carefully at his lips when he spoke—he had noticed that before. But a dummy!

4. 4
   noun

   A stupid person.

   Don't be such a dummy!

From dumb + -y. Pacifier sense from dummy teat where dummy is in the sense of a nonfunctional replica.

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