Meaning of catchpole | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A surname from Anglo-Norman.
2. A taxman, one who gathers taxes.
   obsolete
3. An implement formerly used for seizing and securing a person who would otherwise be out of reach.
   historical
4. A sheriff’s officer, usually one who arrests debtors.

Equivalents

Examples

“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.”

“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.”

CEFR level