This is very old slang, but is still used occasionally It refers to a person who falsely claims to have medical knowledge or qualifications, especially one who dispenses pills, potions and ointments that have curative properties. The word comes from the Middle Dutch word kwaksalver which means one who sells salves and ointments. Although seldom used nowadays quacksalver is the origin of the term quack which means pretty much the same thing.
“Johnny’s in hospital with pneumonia, his doctor missed it!”
“What did you expect, the old bastard is past it and no better that a quacksalver.”
“What did you expect, the old bastard is past it and no better that a quacksalver.”
by AKACroatalin March 18, 2019