constabulary

¹

[ kuhn-stab-yuh-ler-ee ]

noun

, plural con·stab·u·lar·ies.

1. the body of constables of a district.
2. a body of officers of the peace organized on a military basis.

constabulary

²

[ kuhn-stab-yuh-ler-ee ]

adjective

1. pertaining to constables or their duties.

constabulary

/ kənˈstæbjʊlərɪ /

noun

1. the police force of a town or district

adjective

1. of or relating to constables, constabularies, or their duties

Word History and Origins

Origin of constabulary¹

1350–1400; < Medieval Latin constabulāria, feminine of constabulārius constabulary ²; replacing Middle English constablerie < Old French < Medieval Latin as above

Origin of constabulary²

1815–25; < Medieval Latin constabulārius; constable, -ary

Example Sentences

Mr Hansen joined the constabulary as deputy chief constable in May 2013 and took the top job in May 2017, becoming the 16th person to head up the force in its history.

From BBC

The local constabulary put down a man’s dog with the needle – a popular means of amusement among many in the Lone Star State and it is not limited to putting down lesser mammals.

From Salon

The custom dates back more than 150 years, but was stopped in 1909 by the local constabulary, which saw the "straw bears" as a form of "cadging", or begging, for rewards.

From BBC

A police watchdog had investigated the constabulary's response to Bernadette's disappearance - and made recommendations.

From BBC

Scotland's chief inspector of constabulary has called for a strategic whole system review of mental health services.

From BBC

Related Words

• constable
• detective
• man
• officer
• patrolman
• patrolwoman
• police
• policewoman