rhizotomistn.

1721 N. Bailey Universal Etymol. Eng. Dict. A Rhizotomist, a Cutter of Roots.

1812 Trans. Hort. Soc. London 1 352 It was discovered near Bagneres de Luchon, by Nicholas Le Quelt, so famed in ancient story as a rhizotomist.

1836 Penny Cycl. V. 247/1 Some sorts [of root]..are to be cut against the wind, others after the body of the rhizotomist has been well oiled.

1889 H. E. Handerson tr. J. H. Baas Outl. Hist. Med. 97 Of a still lower rank were the rhizotomists (root-cutters and gatherers), who collected drugs with strange and superstitious ceremonies, often at night.

1921 F. H. Garrison Introd. Hist. Med. (ed. 3) iv. 94 He [sc. Theophrastus] collated the loose plant lore of the woodmen and rhizotomists into a systematic treatise.

1947 E. B. Krumbhaar tr. A. Castiglioni Hist. Med. (ed. 2) viii. 146 The rhizotomist collected the roots and prepared them after drying and pulverizing. Later the rhizotomists became pharmacists and also prepared other drugs.

1964 Classical Rev. 14 185 This section is well supplied with illustrations showing the mandrake root and the rhizotomist's dog who has to die in pulling it from the black earth which gives it its power.