I. kənzˈtabyəˌlerē, -nˈst-, -ri noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English constabularie, from Medieval Latin constabularia, from constabulus, conestabulus constable (from Late Latin comes stabuli ) + Latin -aria -ary, noun suffix — more at constable
1. : constablewick
2. : a body of constables or policemen (as of a particular town, district, country)
3. : an armed police force organized on military lines but distinct from the regular army
the Royal Irish Constabulary
II. adjective
Etymology: Medieval Latin constabularius, from constabulus constable + Latin -arius -ary, adjective suffix
: of, relating to, or suggestive of a constable or constabulary
constabulary duties
possessed of a constabulary power before which barbaric … forces will stand in awe — Sir Winston Churchill