What is "barber chirurgeon"

Barber \Bar"ber\ (b[aum]r"b[~e]r), n. [OE. barbour, OF. barbeor, F. barbier, as if fr. an assumed L. barbator, fr. barba beard. See 1st Barb.] One whose occupation it is to shave or trim the beard, and to cut and dress the hair of his patrons.

Barber's itch. See under Itch.

Note: Formerly the barber practiced some offices of surgery, such as letting blood and pulling teeth. Hence such terms as barber surgeon (old form

barber chirurgeon),

barber surgery, etc.