district attorney

an officer who acts as attorney for the people or government within a specified district.

Origin of district attorney

An Americanism dating back to 1780–90

M. Madeleine did not allow the district-attorney to finish; he interrupted him in accents full of suavity and authority.

Les Misrables |Victor Hugo
"But you are supposed to be in custody all this time," said the district-attorney.

The Life and Work of Susan B. Anthony (Volume 1 of 2) |Ida Husted Harper
Some weeks later the District-Attorney renewed his motion; but again Burr was discharged by the grand jury, amid popular applause.

Jefferson and his Colleagues |Allen Johnson
He would have been gone before this, had not the District-Attorney interceded for a short delay.

Ten Years Among the Mail Bags |James Holbrook

The district-attorney was busy, however, on an Augean task—the cleaning out of the police stable.

What Will People Say? |Rupert Hughes

district attorney

(in the US) the state prosecuting officer in a specified judicial district

district attorney

An official responsible for representing the government in court cases and for prosecuting criminals.