2. A gross error or mistake, resulting from carelessness,
stupidity, or culpable ignorance.
Syn: {Blunder}, {Error}, {Mistake}, {Bull}.
Usage: An error is a departure or deviation from that which
is right or correct; as, an error of the press; an
error of judgment. A mistake is the interchange or
taking of one thing for another, through haste,
inadvertence, etc.; as, a careless mistake. A blunder
is a mistake or error of a gross kind. It supposes a
person to flounder on in his course, from
carelessness, ignorance, or stupidity. A bull is a
verbal blunder containing a laughable incongruity of
ideas.
2. To move in an awkward, clumsy manner; to flounder and
stumble.
I was never distinguished for address, and have
often even blundered in making my bow. --Goldsmith.
Yet knows not how to find the uncertain place, And
blunders on, and staggers every pace. --Dryden.
{To blunder on}.
(a) To continue blundering.
(b) To find or reach as if by an accident involving more
or less stupidity, -- applied to something desirable;
as, to blunder on a useful discovery.
2. To do or treat in a blundering manner; to confuse.
He blunders and confounds all these together.
--Stillingfleet.