sheriff

n. in the United States, an elected official who is the head of the police in a specific county.

n. a government official in the US, typically elected, responsible for law enforcement and jail administration within a county.

“The local sheriff and his deputies arrived at the scene to investigate the robbery.”

“In many rural American counties, the sheriff remains the primary authority for both criminal investigations and the management of the local correctional facility.”

American English

n. in England and Wales, an official who carries out orders from a court, such as collecting debts.

n. an official of a shire or county responsible for executing judicial writs and performing ceremonial duties.

“The High Sheriff attended the opening of the new court building.”

“The role of the High Sheriff has evolved from a powerful administrative position into a largely ceremonial office representing the Crown in matters of law and order.”

British English · Formal

n. in Scotland, a judge who hears cases in a local court.

n. a legally qualified judge in a sheriff court, which handles both civil and criminal cases at a mid-tier level.

“The sheriff listened to the evidence before making a final decision on the case.”

“In the Scottish legal system, a sheriff has the authority to preside over solemn proceedings involving a jury for more serious criminal offences.”

British English · Dialect

v. to do the work or carry out the duties of a sheriff.

v. to perform the administrative or law enforcement functions associated with the office of sheriff.

“He spent thirty years sheriffing the quiet desert county.”

“The veteran officer had sheriffed the region for decades, earning a reputation for strict adherence to the letter of the law.”

Formal · Technical