What does resurrectionist mean?
A resurrectionist is a person who engages in the illicit removal and sale of corpses, often for medical research or education. This practice, known as body snatching, was particularly prevalent in 19th-century Britain, where medical schools and researchers would pay top dollar for fresh corpses to study human anatomy. Resurrectionists would often target freshly buried graves, using various methods to extract the bodies without detection. The term has a somewhat macabre connotation, reflecting the illicit and often inhumane nature of the practice. Despite its historical significance, the term is not commonly used in modern contexts, where the removal and use of human remains are heavily regulated and subject to strict ethical guidelines.
nounA person who engages in the illicit removal and sale of corpses, especially for medical research or education.
- A person who engages in the illicit removal and sale of corpses
"The resurrectionists were caught and brought to justice for their crimes."
"The resurrectionists were known to target freshly buried graves."
"The medical school was forced to return the stolen corpses to their families."
countable, used to refer to multiple individuals engaging in the practice
"The resurrectionists were a group of individuals who made a living from stealing corpses."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of resurrectionist
The term 'resurrectionist' originated in the 18th century, derived from the word 'resurrect', which means to raise or bring back from the dead. The term refers to the practice of 'resurrecting' corpses from graves for illicit purposes. The language of origin is English, with possible influence from Latin words such as 'resurrectio', meaning a rising again or resurrection.
How resurrectionist is actually used
This term is often used in historical contexts, particularly in reference to the body snatching trade in 19th-century Britain.