E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Catchpole.
A constable; a law officer whose business it was to apprehend criminals. Pole or poll means head, person; and the word means one
who catches persons by the poll or neck. This was done by means of an instrument something like a shepherd’s crook.
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“Cacchepoles, from catch and pole, because these officers lay hold of a man’s neck.”—Wiclif: New Testament (Acts xvi., Glossary).
