The barber pole is a familiar sight in many towns and cities around the world. This iconic symbol is a sign of a place where people can go to get their hair cut, trimmed, and styled. But what is the meaning of the barber pole? In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and associations of this timeless symbol.
Definitions
A barber pole is a pole that is typically red and white in color, with a spiral stripe running around it. The pole is often placed outside a barber shop, and it is used as a symbol of the services that are offered inside. The spiral stripe on the pole is said to represent the bandages that were used to wrap around a patient’s arm during bloodletting, a common medical practice in the past.
Origin
The origin of the barber pole can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when barbers were also known as “barber-surgeons.” These individuals were responsible for not only cutting hair but also performing surgical procedures, such as bloodletting and tooth extraction. The red and white stripes on the pole were said to represent the bandages that were used to wrap around a patient’s arm during bloodletting. Over time, the barber pole became a symbol of the barber’s trade, and it is still used today as a sign of a place where people can go to get their hair cut.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a barber pole is “a pole with spiral stripes of red and white, traditionally used outside a barber shop.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a pole painted with red and white stripes, outside a barber’s shop, often with a ball on top.”
Associations
The barber pole is associated with the barber’s trade, and it is often used as a symbol of a place where people can go to get their hair cut. In some cultures, the barber pole is also associated with medicine, as barbers were once responsible for performing surgical procedures.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for barber pole include barber’s pole, barber pole sign, and barber’s pole symbol.
Antonyms
There are no true antonyms for barber pole, as it is a symbol rather than a word.
The same root words
The root words of barber pole are “barber” and “pole.”
Example Sentences
- The barber pole outside the shop was spinning in the wind.
- The barber pole is a symbol of the barber’s trade.
- The red and white stripes on the barber pole represent the bandages used in bloodletting.