The term 'sham sawbones' is a slang term for a QUACK doctor, or someone who pretends to be a medical professional but does not have the qualifications or experience to do so. The crossword solution for this term is 'QUACK, ' which is a five-letter word that describes someone who is not a real doctor. This term is often used to describe someone who is unqualified to practice medicine, but still attempts to do so.