Nostradamus
proper noun, noun
Forms Nostradamuses
- proper noun A French astrologer and author of prophecies who lived in the early 1500s.
- proper noun (by extension) Someone who makes accurate prophecies.
- noun (dated) Any quack doctor or charlatan.
Synonyms
Etymology
Michel de Nostredame's surname is one that honors Saint Mary (Our Lady). More details (if desired) are available at Nostradamus § Childhood.
Since before 1908. Most likely from wordplay among physicians, as a playful agent noun for quacks who give nostrums to their patients, playing on wide familiarity with a cultural reference to the famous (and dubiously effective) Nostradamus.
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 — from the Wiktionary entry “Nostradamus”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details