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.
β
Johnnyβs in hospital with pneumonia, his doctor missed it!β
βWhat did you expect, the old
bastard is past it and no
better that a quacksalver.β