In ancient China, butchering was considered a low-class profession. However, several famous historical figures were butchers, including 樊哙 (Fán Kuài), a loyal general of Liu Bang who founded the Han dynasty.
usage
屠夫 can be used figuratively to describe someone who kills ruthlessly. 刽子手 (guìzishǒu, executioner) is similar but more specifically refers to one who executes people.
