What does "catchpole" mean?
A taxman, one who gathers taxes.
Catchpole
/ˈkatʃpəʊl/ name, noun
name, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A taxman, one who gathers taxes.
- Grammar: catchpole is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: bailiff, beadle, beagle, captain.
- Usage evidence: 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.
How to use "catchpole"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "catchpole" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "catchpole" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "catchpole" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "catchpole" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "bailiff" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 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 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 A sheriff’s officer, usually one who arrests debtors.
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname from Anglo-Norman.
Example
"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."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "catchpole"?
Common synonyms include: bailiff, beadle, beagle, captain, commissioner, constable.
How do you use "catchpole" in a sentence?
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.
How do you pronounce "catchpole"?
Pronounced /ˈkatʃpəʊl/.
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.