catchpoll
/ˈkætʃˌpoʊl/
noun
- A historical officer, especially a sheriff's deputy, who arrested people for debt or other legal matters. (Alternate spelling of catchpole.)
- The catchpoll arrived at dawn to collect the overdue rent.
- In the old story, the catchpoll was known for being harsh with poor farmers.
- The town records mention a catchpoll named Thomas who served for twenty years.