constable — English Dictionary

Noun

1. One holding the lowest rank in most Commonwealth police forces. (See also chief constable.)

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   As soon as Julia returned with a constable, Timothy, who was on the point of exhaustion, prepared to give over to him gratefully. The newcomer turned out to be a powerful youngster, fully trained and eager to help, and he stripped off his tunic at once.

2. A police officer or an officer with equivalent powers.

   Usage

   • UK usage

3. An officer of a noble court in the Middle Ages, usually a senior army commander. (See also marshal).

   Usage

   • Historical

4. The warden of a castle.

5. An elected or appointed public officer, usually at municipal level, responsible for maintaining order or serving writs and court orders.

   Usage

   • US usage

6. An elected head of a parish (also known as a connétable)

7. A large butterfly, Dichorragia nesimachus, family Nymphalidae, of Asia.

Verb

1. To act as a constable or policeman.

   Usage

   • Dated
   • Intransitive

Noun

1. a lawman with less authority and jurisdiction than a sheriff

   Broader terms

   law officerpeace officer

2. a police officer of the lowest rank

   Synonyms

   police constable

   Broader terms

   police officerofficer