POSSE COMITATUS • DICCIONARIO INGLES.COM • Definition of Posse comitatus

Add this Dictionary
to your website!
See more options...

Listen

noun

Posse comitatus n.

(Law) The power of the county, or the citizens who may be summoned by the sheriff to assist the authorities in suppressing a riot, or executing any legal precept which is forcibly opposed.

A collection of people; a throng; a rabble. (Colloq.) Note: The word comitatus is often omitted, and posse alone used. "A whole posse of enthusiasts." "As if the passion that rules were the sheriff of the place, and came off with all the posse."

See images of 'Posse comitatus'

Etymology of 'Posse comitatus'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

Share |

"Posse comitatus" Quotes from Famous Books

... the streets, the subprefect cross-examining and congratulating me in the same breath as we marched at the head of our formidable posse comitatus. Sentinels were placed at the back and front of the house the moment we got to it; a tremendous battery of knocks was directed against the door; a light appeared at a window; I was told to conceal myself behind the police; then came more knocks ...

— Stories By English Authors: France • Various

Words linked to "Posse comitatus" : law, police, posse, posseman, police force, constabulary