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know-noth·ing·ism | \ ˈnō-ˌnə-thiŋ-ˌi-zəm 
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\Definition of know-nothingism
1 capitalized K&N : the principles and policies of the Know-Nothings
2 : the condition of knowing nothing or desiring to know nothing or the conviction that nothing can be known with certainty especially in religion or morality
3 often capitalized K&N : a mid-20th century political attitude characterized by anti-intellectualism, exaggerated patriotism, and fear of foreign subversive influences
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The first known use of know-nothingism was in 1854
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