Definition

1. Noun:
   • The principal law-enforcement officer in a county: In the United States and some other countries, a sheriff is typically an elected official responsible for law enforcement within a specific county. Their duties often include operating the county jail, providing court security, serving legal documents, and patrolling unincorporated areas.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The sheriff arrested the suspect after a brief chase.
  • Voters will elect a new county sheriff in the upcoming election.
  • If you have an emergency outside city limits, you should call the sheriff's office.

Advanced Usage

• "High Sheriff": In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, this is a largely ceremonial county official with historical duties related to law enforcement and the courts.

  • The High Sheriff attended the royal ceremony in an official capacity.

• "Sheriff's sale": A public auction of property, conducted by a sheriff's office, usually to satisfy a court judgment like a foreclosure.

  • The house was sold at a sheriff's sale to pay the owner's debts.

Variants and Related Words

• Sheriffdom (n): The district, jurisdiction, or office of a sheriff.

  • The ancient sheriffdom had different boundaries than the modern county.

• Sheriffalty (n): The office or term of office of a sheriff. (This term is now rare).

• Undersheriff (n): A deputy sheriff, especially one who is the chief deputy.
  • The undersheriff is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the department.

Synonyms

• Lawman: (Informal) An officer of the law, such as a sheriff or marshal.
• Peace officer: A civil officer (like a sheriff or police officer) whose duty is to preserve public peace.

Related Phrases

• "To run for sheriff": To be a candidate in an election for the office of sheriff.

  • After 20 years as a deputy, she decided to run for sheriff.

• "Sheriff's deputy": A law enforcement officer who works under and is appointed by the sheriff.

  • A sheriff's deputy delivered the subpoena to my house.

Related Idioms

• "Long arm of the law": While not exclusive to sheriffs, this idiom refers to the far-reaching power of law enforcement, which a sheriff embodies in their county.
  • The sheriff reminded the fugitive that he couldn't escape the long arm of the law.

Noun

1. the principal law-enforcement officer in a county