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
