English

Alternative forms

• catchpoll

Noun

catchpole ‎(plural catchpoles)

1. (obsolete) A taxman, one who gathers taxes.
2. A sheriff’s officer, usually one who arrests debtors.

Translations

Etymology 2

catch +‎ pole

Alternative forms

• catch-pole

Noun

catchpole ‎(plural catchpoles)

1. (historical) An implement formerly used for seizing and securing a man who would otherwise be out of reach.
   • 1843, Henry Shaw, Dresses and Decorations of the Middle Ages, W Pickering 1843:

     The use of the catch-pole is said to have been to take horsemen in battle by the neck and drag them from their horses.

See also

• myrmidon

References

• catchpole in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911