A small-town police officer who patrols the streets, keeps order and who has limited authority is an example of a constable.
- 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 of constableMiddle English ; from Old French conestable ; from Late Latin comes stabuli, literally , count of the stable, hence chief groom ; from Classical Latin comes, companion, fellow (see count) + stabulum, stable
- 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 of constableMiddle English, from Old French conestable, from Late Latin comes stabul&imacron;, officer of the stable : Latin comes, officer, companion; see ei- in Indo-European roots + Latin stabul&imacron;, genitive of stabulum, stable; see sta- in Indo-European roots.
- (UK, New Zealand) A police officer ranking below sergeant in most British/New Zealand police forces. (See also chief constable).
- Officer of a noble court in the middle ages, usually a senior army commander. (See also marshal).
- (US) Public officer, usually at municipal level, responsible for maintaining order or serving writs and court orders.
- (Channel Islands) A elected head of a parish (also known as a connétable)