Search

(formerly) a petty officer of justice, especially one arresting persons for debt.
Historical Examples

You can tell Mr. catchpole his master wishes to see him here.
Catharine Furze Mark Rutherford

I do not blame her so much, though, as I do that wretch of a catchpole.
Catharine Furze Mark Rutherford

catchpole, the landlord of a small inn, two miles from the Dingle, and not far from Willenhall in Staffordshire.
Isopel Berners George Borrow

Mr. catchpole, this assumes a very—I may say—painful aspect.
Catharine Furze Mark Rutherford

Most vividly did that morning come back to him when he had once before decided to eject Mr. catchpole.
Catharine Furze Mark Rutherford

They were all immediately informed that a catchpole was housed.
Gargantua and Pantagruel, Complete. Francois Rabelais

About a mile from Basche’s seat, the catchpole found himself somewhat out of sorts.
Gargantua and Pantagruel, Complete. Francois Rabelais

If that’s all right, Mr. catchpole will give you your agreement.
Paul Kelver Jerome Klapka, AKA Jerome K. Jerome

You must know, that he that made the escape and the catchpole are a couple of ancient friends and pot-companions.
The Visions of Dom Francisco de Quevedo Villegas Dom Francisco de Quevedo

The name she had chosen was catchpole; and it still survived as an identifying force, if called on.
When Ghost Meets Ghost William Frend De Morgan

noun
(in medieval England) a sheriff’s officer who arrested debtors