constable
constable Lexical Profile
constable Game Scores & Validity
• noun
British A police officer of the lowest rank in the United Kingdom and several Commonwealth nations, or any member of a police force holding statutory powers of arrest.
"The local constable patrolled the village streets on foot every evening to deter petty crime."
American A peace officer in a small town, township, or judicial precinct with limited policing authority, typically responsible for serving court summonses, executing warrants, and maintaining order in minor courts.
"The county constable arrived at the residence to serve the eviction notice issued by the magistrate."
A high-ranking officer of a medieval royal court or noble household, or the governor and chief warden of a royal castle or fortress.
"During the siege, the constable of the castle organized the garrison to defend the outer battlements."
Word Nuance & Usage
In the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth countries, 'constable' is the standard entry-level rank for a police officer, whereas in the United States it typically refers to an elected or appointed municipal peace officer who serves court papers and keeps the peace in a small town or precinct.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French 'conestable', from Late Latin 'comes stabuli' (literally 'count of the stable'), originally a high-ranking Byzantine and Frankish imperial officer in charge of the royal horses and stables.