Webster's 1913 Dictionary
KNOW-NOTHING
KNOW-NOTHING Know "-noth `ing, n.
Defn: A member of a secret political organization in the United States, the chief objects of which were the proscription of foreigners by the repeal of the naturalization laws, and the exclusive choice of native Americans for office.
Note: The party originated in 1853, and existed for about three years. The members of it were called Know-nothings, because they replied "I don't know, " to any questions asked them in reference to the party.
KNOW-NOTHINGISM
KNOW-NOTHINGISM Know "-noth `ing *ism, n.
Defn: The doctrines, principles, or practices, of the Know-nothings.
New American Oxford Dictionary
know-nothing
know-noth ing ▶noun 1 an ignorant person. 2 ( Know-Nothing ) historical a member of a political party in the US, prominent from 1853 to 1856, that was antagonistic toward Roman Catholics and recent immigrants and whose members preserved its secrecy by denying its existence. DERIVATIVES know-no thing ism noun
Oxford Dictionary
know-nothing
know-nothing |ˈnəʊnʌθɪŋ | ▶noun 1 an ignorant person. 2 ( Know-Nothing ) N. Amer. historical a member of a political party in the US, prominent from 1853 to 1856, which was antagonistic towards Roman Catholics and recent immigrants, and whose members preserved its secrecy by denying its existence. DERIVATIVES know-nothingism noun
The Wordsmith Dictionary