/ ˈʃerɪf; NAmE / noun
1.
(in the US) an elected officer responsible for keeping law and order in a county or town
2.
(often High Sheriff ) (in England and Wales) an officer representing the king or queen in counties, and some cities, who performs some legal duties and attends ceremonies
3.
(in Scotland) a judge
4.
(in Canada) an official who works in a court preparing court cases
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WORD ORIGIN
Old English scīrgerēfa (see shire , reeve ).