constable:

(short form: ‘Cons.’ or ‘Const.’; plural: ‘constables‘; pronunciation: the letter ‘c’ is said with a ‘k’ sound as in “kon”)

two London constables (M) with visitors on either side at Trafalgar Square

(in British usage) a policeman of the lowest rank; a police constable; a police officer;

(in British usage) the governor of a royal castle or fortress;

(in American usage (?)) a peace officer in a small rural area, less powerful than a ‘sheriff’; a cop;

(in medieval times) a high ranking military officer who commanded the armed forces, especially in the absence of the ruler,

Chief Constable with others on a beat

e.g.

A police constable on duty/beat has certain powers which he/she can use against hooligans, vandals, eve-teasers and street vendors who disturb the peace of the neighbourhood.

The Chief Constable of a county monitors the  law and order situation in his/her constabulary.

The constable of the castle does not allow any tress-passers on the property, and has the authority to have them driven off or arrested in case of resistance.

Compare: police

a woman constable on a beat

For an article that shows the pecking order in the police force in India, please click here, for a tragic accident that involved a deputy constable in Bexar county in USA, please click here, and for an article that gives us a story about a chief constable being suspended in the USA, please click here.
Note: ‘Constable’, always with a capital ‘c’, is often found in the names of people, e.g. Anne Constable, John Constable, Pamela Constable, George Constable, etc.

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About the Author:BC Kumar

BC Kumar, an English Language Teacher, taught in numerous countries including Ethiopia, Oman and India, shares his knowledge and passion for the English Language. Disclaimer: This is a free educational website and all content has been compiled by the author. All copyrights to images and videos belong to their respective owners.

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