E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Posse Comita’tus (Latin).
Power of the county. The whole force of the county—that is, all the male members of a county over fifteen, who may be summoned by a sheriff to assist in preventing a riot, the rescue of prisoners, or other unlawful disorders. Clergymen, peers, and the infirm are exempt.
