peace officer

a civil officer appointed to preserve the public peace, as a sheriff or constable.

Origin of peace officer

First recorded in 1705–15

Ochiltree's soliloquy was disturbed by a peace-officer, who came to summon him to attend the magistrate.

The Antiquary, Complete |Sir Walter Scott
"That is the peace-officer sent after me by the Prefet," said Peyrade.

Scenes from a Courtesan's Life |Honore de Balzac
The pause still continuing, Robin Oig asked for a peace-officer, and a constable having stepped out, he surrendered himself.

The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 10, Issue 282, November 10, 1827 |Various
For the first time, Mlle. Lucienne manifested some reticence, and omitted to repeat the explanations of the peace-officer.

Other People's Money |Emile Gaboriau

The peace-officer who saved your daughter is precisely the same to whom it was once my good fortune to render a service.

Other People's Money |Emile Gaboriau