CATCHPOLE Meaning and
Definition
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A catchpole is a term that refers to a historical officer or official, typically serving in medieval times, who was responsible for collecting debts and taxes on behalf of the government or a local authority. Also known as a "sergeant-at-arms" or a "bailiff," the catchpole was authorized to confiscate property to recover unpaid dues. However, the term is primarily associated with the act of apprehending individuals who have outstanding debts or who are wanted for legal reasons.
Catchpoles were often depicted as agents of oppression due to their notorious methods of enforcing payment. Their duties often included arresting debtors or other persons with unpaid fines or judgments, and they were known to resort to force if necessary. A catchpole's primary goal was to ensure the collection of outstanding debts or taxes, and to bring those evading the law to justice.
The term "catchpole" can also have a derogatory connotation, as it is sometimes used metaphorically to describe an overly zealous or unscrupulous individual, especially one who relentlessly pursues or exploits others for personal gain. In modern usage, the word "catchpole" may be employed to refer to a person who endlessly hounds or pounces on others, often for minor infractions or offenses.
Common Misspellings for CATCHPOLE
Etymology of CATCHPOLE
The word "catchpole" originated from Middle English and has its roots in Old French. It is derived from the French phrase "chace poule", which directly translates to "chase chicken".
In medieval times, a catchpole referred to an officer or a bailiff who was responsible for catching fugitives or individuals with outstanding debts. The term "chase chicken" likely referred to the catchpole's ability to chase down and capture individuals, similar to how a person would catch a chicken. Over time, the phrase "chace poule" was anglicized into "catchpole", and the term came to be used to describe any oppressive or overzealous official who exploits their authority. Nowadays, the term is mostly archaic and rarely used.
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