obstetric, a.
(əbˈstɛtrɪk)
[ad. mod.L. obstetric-us, for L. obstetrīci-us, f. obstetrix, -trīc-em midwife. Association with words having the suffix -ic has led to the formation of such derivatives as obstetrical, obstetrist, etc.]
Of or pertaining to a midwife or accoucheur, or to midwifery as a branch of medical practice.
| 1742 Pope Dunciad iv. 394 There all the Learn'd shall at the labour stand, And Douglas lend his soft, obstetric hand. c 1750 Shenstone To the Virtuosi vii, Tis you protect their pregnant hour;..Exerting your obstetric pow'r. 1793 R. Rawlins (title) A Dissertation on the Structure of the Obstetric Forceps. 1799 Med. Jrnl. II. 453 The obstetric art..began to emerge from its barbarity during the sixteenth century. 1862 Burton Bk. Hunter (1863) 260 Paul of ægina, the father of obstetric surgery. 1878 T. Bryant Pract. Surg. I. 607 In obstetric works cases are recorded. |