slang in later use. A person who wears a star as a badge or decoration; esp. (U.S.) a policeman. Now historical and rare.

(in the United Kingdom) a volunteer who is appointed to act as a police officer on particular occasions, especially in times of emergency.

a police officer of the lowest rank (cf. runner, n.1 2c).

(See quot. 1823.)

a constable of the New Police of 1829.

A nickname for: (British) a member of the Bow Street horse patrol (hence) a member of the Bow Street Runners; = robin redbreast, n. 3. Also more…

A person who makes rounds of inspection; spec. (U.S.) a police officer in charge of a patrol (now historical).

a member of a state police force; = trooper, n. 3b.

Uniform, clothes. harness bull, harness cop, a policeman in uniform. U.S. slang (chiefly criminals').

In plural with capital initials. colloquial. An armed police force recruited by the British government and temporarily deployed in Ireland to…

In various specific applications. in Northern Ireland (until 1970), a member of the Ulster Special Constabulary, retained on a part-time basis…

plural. Short for black and tan, n. 4. Also singular, a member of this organization. Usually with capital initial.