A person who prepares and sells medicines and drugs; an old-fashioned term for a pharmacist.
From 'drug' (from Old French 'drogue,' origin uncertain) + '-ist' (one who works with). The term was common before 'pharmacist' became the standard modern term.
Before modern pharmacies, the local druggist was often the town's most trusted healer—they didn't just dispense pills but advised patients, mixed custom remedies, and served as part doctor, part chemist, which is why many old druggist shops evolved into today's pharmacies.
Historically male-dominated profession; 'druggist' carried male default. 'Pharmacist' emerged as gender-neutral professional term in 20th century.
Use 'pharmacist' in contemporary contexts; 'druggist' now reads archaic. Both refer to the profession, but pharmacist reflects modern, inclusive terminology.
["pharmacist","pharmaceutical professional"]
Women pharmacists fought for professional recognition and equal credentials; they now comprise ~60% of US pharmacy graduates, historically invisible in older 'druggist' language.
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