Dictionary

sheriff

noun sher·iff \ˈsher-əf\

: an elected official who is in charge of enforcing the law in a county or town of the U.S.

: the highest official in a county or shire in England or Wales who represents the king or queen and who attends ceremonies and has legal duties

: the most important judge in a county or district in Scotland

Full Definition of SHERIFF

:  an important official of a shire or county charged primarily with judicial duties (as executing the processes and orders of courts and judges)
sher·iff·dom \-əf-dəm, -təm\ noun
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Origin of SHERIFF

Middle English shirreve, from Old English scīrgerēfa, from scīr shire + gerēfa reeve — more at shire, reeve
First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

Rhymes with SHERIFF

SHERIFF Defined for Kids

sheriff

noun sher·iff \ˈsher-əf\

Definition of SHERIFF for Kids

:  the officer of a county who is in charge of enforcing the law

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