Kallikak

noun Kal·li·kak \ˈkaləˌkak\

Definition of Kallikak

plural

-s

: a stupid person rubber masks by means of which an ordinary citizen can transform himself into demon, witch … Kallikak, bumpkin — Bernard Wolfe — compare jukes

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Origin and Etymology of kallikak

Kallikak, fictitious name of a family having one branch consisting mainly of intelligent and successful persons and another branch containing a large proportion of mentally deficient and immoral persons that was studied by H. H. Goddard †1957 American psychologist, from Greek kalli- calli- + kak- cac-