noun
Etymology: Middle English
1. obsolete : an English customs officer required to search ships
2. : any of various former British officials having specified jurisdiction over the water: as
a. : an official superseded in 1771 having jurisdiction over fishing on the Thames
b. : an official in the Isle of Man having jurisdiction over fishery and some maritime jurisdiction prior to 1885
c. : a police officer on a river employed especially for the prevention of poaching