sawbones

[ saw-bohnz ]

noun

, (used with a singular verb)

, plural saw·bones, saw·bones·es.

1. a surgeon or physician.

sawbones

/ ˈsɔːˌbəʊnz /

noun

1. slang.
   a surgeon or doctor

Word History and Origins

Origin of sawbones¹

First recorded in 1830–40; saw ¹ + bone + -s ³( def )

Example Sentences

For many years he had carried in his body a Spanish bullet which the sawbones of his guerrilla band had been unable to extract.

From Project Gutenberg

But I kin go to Bullhide for the sawbones in it, and bring him back, too.

From Project Gutenberg

The mediocre sawbones can always take a shop, go to India, marry a sickly widow, or invent a patent medicine.

From Project Gutenberg

Well, he's got an ugly hole in him, and it's hard hunting—the sawbones will have to find the lead.

From Project Gutenberg

They had grudgingly allowed Clancey, the family sawbones, to call in a psychologist friend, Philip Warwick.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• doctor
• specialist
• surgeon