bonesetter

[ bohn-set-er ]

noun

1. a person who treats or sets fractures, broken or dislocated bones, or the like, especially one who is not a regular physician or surgeon; healer.

bonesetter

/ ˈbəʊnˌsɛtə /

noun

1. a person who sets broken or dislocated bones, esp one who has no formal medical qualifications

Word History and Origins

Origin of bonesetter¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; bone, setter

Example Sentences

Unlike before, though, the nation’s hills and back roads no longer crawled with the herb doctors, midwives, itinerant folk healers, and bonesetters who had provided care where no other existed.

From Salon

Mrs. Mapp, commonly termed "Crazy Sally," who had repute as a bonesetter, received from the town of Epsom the offer of an annuity of one hundred pounds sterling if she would remain in that neighborhood.

From Project Gutenberg

They were the accountants, the architects, the goldsmiths, the carpenters, the land-surveyors, the bonesetters, &c.

From Project Gutenberg

Our ancestors listened with awe and obedience to the warnings and behests of the medicine man, bloodletter, bonesetter, family doctor.

From Project Gutenberg

"Mr. H. A. Barker, the bonesetter, performed a bloodless and successful operation yesterday upon Mr. Will Thorne's knee, which he fractured six years ago."

From Project Gutenberg