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constable

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The definition of a constable is a law enforcement officer in a small town who has less authority than a sheriff.

(noun)

A small-town police officer who patrols the streets, keeps order and who has limited authority is an example of a constable.

See constable in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

in the Middle Ages, the highest-ranking official of a royal household, court, etc.
the warden or keeper of a royal fortress or castle
a peace officer in a town or village, with powers and jurisdiction somewhat more limited than those of a sheriff
Chiefly Brit. a police officer

Origin: ME < OFr conestable < LL comes stabuli, lit., count of the stable, hence chief groom < L comes, companion, fellow (see count) + stabulum, stable

Constable, John 1776-1837; Eng. landscape painter

See constable in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun Abbr. Cons. or Const.

A peace officer with less authority and smaller jurisdiction than a sheriff, empowered to serve writs and warrants and make arrests.
A medieval officer of high rank, usually serving as military commander in the absence of a monarch.
The governor of a royal castle.
Chiefly British A police officer.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French conestable

Origin: , from Late Latin comes stabulī, officer of the stable

Origin: : Latin comes, officer, companion; see ei- in Indo-European roots

Origin: + Latin stabulī

Origin: , genitive of stabulum, stable; see stā- in Indo-European roots

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