from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
[1913 Webster]
{Barber's itch}. See under {Itch}.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]