Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

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.
Show More

Origin of bonesetter

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; see origin at bone, setter
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for bonesetter

Historical Examples

  • The counsel of the bonesetter still continued in the countess's mind.

    The Hated Son

    Honore de Balzac

  • The bonesetter was puzzled by this sudden change in the count's intentions.

    The Hated Son

    Honore de Balzac

  • I hear that Blaney had to go to Bonesetter Reese this winter for some trouble in his salary wing.

  • She bows her old head to a voice that speaks to her loudly, her bonesetter, her medicineman: me she slights.

    Ulysses

    James Joyce

  • But he turned at the last words uttered by the bonesetter, with an almost frenzied motion, and came to him with uplifted dagger.

    The Hated Son

    Honore de Balzac

British Dictionary definitions for bonesetter

bonesetter

noun
  1. a person who sets broken or dislocated bones, esp one who has no formal medical qualifications
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012