Constable

/'kʌnstəbl/

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Definition

Noun:
- A police officer of the lowest rank: In many police forces, especially in the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries, a constable is an entry-level police officer with general law enforcement duties.
- A lawman with less authority and jurisdiction than a sheriff: In some contexts, particularly historical or in certain U.S. states, a constable is an elected or appointed peace officer with limited jurisdiction, often serving court papers or performing specific local duties.
- English landscape painter (1776-1837): This is a specific reference to John Constable, a famous 19th-century English painter known for his landscape works.

Usage Examples

As a police officer:
- The local constable patrols the village on his bicycle.
- She joined the force as a police constable last year.
As a lawman/officer:
- The constable served the eviction notice as ordered by the court.
As the painter:
- The museum is holding an exhibition of works by Constable.

Advanced Usage

"To outrun the constable": An idiom meaning to spend beyond one's means or to get into debt.
- By buying that expensive car, he has outrun the constable.
"Special constable": A volunteer, part-time police officer with full police powers, often used during emergencies or special events.
- During the festival, special constables were sworn in to assist the regular force.

Variants and Related Words

Chief Constable (n): The head of a police force in certain UK regions.
- The Chief Constable held a press conference about the investigation.
Constabulary (n): The police force of a particular area or district.
- He served in the county constabulary for thirty years.

Synonyms

Related Phrases

Police constable (PC): The full formal title for the rank.
- PC Smith was commended for her bravery.
Detective Constable (DC): A constable who works in plain clothes on investigative duties.
- The case is being handled by Detective Constable Jones.

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