An officer charged with the apprehension, custody, and punishment of offenders. Now historical.

In Spain, Latin America, and other areas of Spanish influence: an officer of justice, a constable.

Originally: an officer or deputy of the French king or of a feudal lord who collected taxes and administered justice; a French provost-marshal. Cf…

an officer charged with the arrest of an offender, a bailiff, sheriff's officer.shoulder-clapping adjs.

A provost or provost marshal; esp. = provost, n. 5.

One whose business is to ‘trap’ or catch offenders; a thief-taker; a detective or policeman; a sheriff's officer. Now only Australian slang.

a thief-taker.

He who arrests by legal authority.