catchpole Definition
a public officer whose job was to arrest people who had not paid their debts.
Using catchpole: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "catchpole" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The catchpole arrested the debtor for not paying his dues.
Example
The catchpole was a feared figure in medieval England.
Example
The catchpole's job was to collect taxes and fines from defaulters.
catchpole Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with catchpole
Example
The runaway catchpole was fired for using excessive force while arresting a debtor.
Example
The catchpole warrant allowed the officer to arrest the debtor and seize his property.
catchpole court
a court that deals with debtors and defaulters
Example
The catchpole court was established to enforce the collection of taxes and fines.
Origins of catchpole
from Old English 'ceapian', meaning 'to buy' + 'pol', meaning 'pole'
Summary: catchpole in Brief
'Catchpole' [ˈkatʃpəʊl] is a noun that refers to a public officer whose job was to arrest people who had not paid their debts. It was a feared position in medieval England, and the catchpole was authorized to collect taxes and fines from defaulters. The term extends into phrases like 'runaway catchpole,' denoting an officer who abuses his power, and 'catchpole warrant,' referring to a warrant issued by a court authorizing an arrest.
