constable

Etymology

From Middle English constable, cunstable, constabil, connestable, cunestable, from Old French conestable, from Latin comes stabulī (“officer of the stables”). For the sense-development, compare marshal.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈkʌnstəbəl/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈkɑnstəbəl/

Noun

constable (plural constables)

1. The lowest rank in most Commonwealth police forces. (See also chief constable).
   • 1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 19, in The China Governess‎:

     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. (Britain, law) A police officer or an officer with equivalent powers.
3. Officer of a noble court in the middle ages, usually a senior army commander. (See also marshal).
4. (US) Public officer, usually at municipal level, responsible for maintaining order or serving writs and court orders.
5. (Channel Islands) A elected head of a parish (also known as a connétable)