POSSE COMITATUS • E-FREE TRANSLATION.COM • Definition of Posse comitatus

Add this Dictionary
to your website!
See more options...

Listen

noun

Posse comitatus n.

(Law) The power of the county, or the citizens who may be summoned by the sheriff to assist the authorities in suppressing a riot, or executing any legal precept which is forcibly opposed.

A collection of people; a throng; a rabble. (Colloq.) Note: The word comitatus is often omitted, and posse alone used. "A whole posse of enthusiasts." "As if the passion that rules were the sheriff of the place, and came off with all the posse."

See images of 'Posse comitatus'

Etymology of 'Posse comitatus'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

Share |

Words linked to "Posse comitatus" : police force, constabulary, law