Refine this word faster

Stronger alternatives Opposite tone Use in context Cross-language nuance

Catchpole

//ˈkatʃpəʊl// name, noun

Definitions

Proper Noun
  1. 1
    A surname from Anglo-Norman.
Noun
  1. 1
    A taxman, one who gathers taxes. obsolete

    "With two such catchpoles as Henry and Uncle Fred at his heels there was nothing left for Grandpa Piper but to sign his abdication to the drapery business."

  2. 2
    An implement formerly used for seizing and securing a person who would otherwise be out of reach. historical

    "The use of the catch-pole is said to have been to take horsemen in battle by the neck and drag them from their horses."

  3. 3
    A sheriff’s officer, usually one who arrests debtors.

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Old French chacepol (“one who chases fowls”) (or a northern variant thereof).

Etymology 2

From catch + pole.

Etymology 3

From Anglo-Norman cachepole, a compound of cachier (“to catch”) + pol (“fowl”), a nickname given to a bailiff, originally empowered to seize poultry and other livestock in case of default on debts or taxes.

See also for "catchpole"

Synonyms Antonyms Rhymes Sentences Translate Word Type Pronunciation Word Forms

Next best steps

Find stronger synonymsSee usage examplesCheck pronunciation

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: catchpole