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Meaning of posse comitatus | Babel Free

Noun CEFR B2

Definitions

  1. The able-bodied men over 15 in a given county who can be summoned by the sheriff to help keep the peace, or arrest a felon; also a group of men so gathered.
    historical
  2. Any band of men, especially armed or hostile.
    figuratively

Examples

“They are the standing army, and the militia, jailers, constables, posse comitatus, etc.”
“With him retired his ‘posse comitatus,’ / The attorney last, who linger'd near the door / Reluctantly […]”

CEFR level

B2
Upper Intermediate
This word is part of the CEFR B2 vocabulary — upper intermediate level.
See all B2 English words →

See also

Posseman possentrie posser Posses possess Possessed

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