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Dec 8, 2009
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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—A

Abderitan

Abderi′tan

A native of Abdera, a maritime city of Thrace. The Abderitans were proverbial for stupidity, hence the phrase, “You have no more mind than an Abderite.” Yet the city gave birth to some of the wisest men of Greece: as Democritos (the laughing philosopher), Protagoras (the great sophist), Anaxarchos (the philosopher and friend of Alexander), Hecatæos (the historian), etc.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Abderitan Laughter
Abdera
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