noun / adjective

constabulary

kun-STAB-yuh-lair-ee/kənˈstæbjəleri/

A police force or relating to its officers and duties.

The district constabulary assembles outside the modest police station.

A diverse district police team assembled outside a modest station, no readable signage.

Etymology

conLatincount, attendant

+stabulLatinstable

+aryLatinnoun-forming ending

The “count of the stable” became a household and then a peace officer. A constabulary first named a constable’s district, then the organized body of peace officers serving a district.

In context

Storytime Haven95:32

The Norfolk constabulary were observing the old, slow, stereotyped, routine methods of police investigation, as I had expected them to do.

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More examples

The recruits learn basic constabulary duties during their training.
The two constabularies share information about crimes near their borders.
She reports the theft to the local constabulary.

Forms

constabulary · constabularies

constable noun — An officer with specified law enforcement duties.

Similar words

police: The more usual term for law enforcement officers collectively.
police force: Names an organized police body without the older, formal tone.