‖bossiedokter, noun

/ˈbɔsiˌdɔktə(r)/
Origin:
AfrikaansShow more Afrikaans, bos bush, shrub + -ie + dokter doctor.
colloquial
A pejorative name for a herbalist or naturopath. Cf. herbalist.
Note:
The usual Afrikaans term for a herbalist is kruiedokter [kruie herbs].
1934 C.P. Swart Supplement to Pettman. 22Bossiedokter, (A. bos, shrub; dokter, doctor). A herbalist is so designated by the Boers.
1949 L.G. Green In Land of Afternoon 49Herbalists have always flourished in the Cape. The bossie dokter was at work before Van Riebeeck arrived; and he is still willing to prescribe for almost any ailment.
1970 H.M. Musmeci Informant, Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha), Eastern CapeOur Bantu servant believes that the bossiedokter will cure him.
1977 Sunday Times 9 Oct. 15Some..don’t think much of naturopaths, it seems. Alluding to the herbs they use, they call them ‘bossie dokters’ — bush doctors.
1991 Best of S. Afr. Short Stories (Reader’s Digest Assoc.) 104The roots, leaves and bark or many plants were used to treat specific disorders, and a bossiedokter (herb doctor)..was often in demand...Not all the traditional plant ‘cures’ helped, of course, and some could actually be dangerous.
A pejorative name for a herbalist or naturopath.
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colloquial
boss-boy, nounn.bossiemiddel, nounn.
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