Catchpole is a surname and type of tax collector in medieval England. It is a combination of Old English (cace-, catch) and medieval Latin (pullus, a chick) and derives from the idea that people who owed …

The meaning of CATCHPOLE is a sheriff's deputy; especially : one who makes arrests for failure to pay a debt.

There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun catchpole, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

CATCHPOLE definition: (formerly) a petty officer of justice, especially one arresting persons for debt. See examples of catchpole used in a sentence.

Definition of 'catchpole' catchpole in British English or catchpoll (ˈkætʃˌpəʊl ) noun (in medieval England) a sheriff's officer who arrested debtors

Define catchpole. catchpole synonyms, catchpole pronunciation, catchpole translation, English dictionary definition of catchpole. also catch·poll n. A sheriff's officer, especially one who arrests …

Sep 21, 2025 · Catchpole: Primarily used during medieval times, a catchpole was an official, often functioning as a sheriff’s deputy, whose main responsibility was to collect debts or apprehend …

Have you ever seen someone chasing chickens around a coop, the birds running in all directions, clucking, flailing their wings? If so, you can understand why men who rounded up debtors were …

Dec 14, 2025 · catchpole (plural catchpoles) (historical) An implement formerly used for seizing and securing a person who would otherwise be out of reach. quotations

May 16, 2024 · A catchpole is a long pole with an attached noose at one end, used for controlling animals. Catchpoles are used by animal control officers and other people who interact with animals …