to learn by rote

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Learn \Learn\, v. i.
   To acquire knowledge or skill; to make progress in acquiring
   knowledge or skill; to receive information or instruction;
   as, this child learns quickly.
   [1913 Webster]

         Take my yoke upon you and learn of me.   --Matt. xi.
                                                  29.
   [1913 Webster]

   {To learn by heart}. See {By heart}, under {Heart}.

   {To learn by rote}, to memorize by repetition without
      exercise of the understanding.
      [1913 Webster]