posse comitatus

Definition

The able-bodied men over 15 in a given county who can be summoned by the sheriff to help keep the peace, or arrest a felon; also a group of men so gathered.

Etymology

From Late Latin posse comitātūs (“force of the county”, literally “power of the county”).

Example Sentences

• "They are the standing army, and the militia, jailers, constables, posse comitatus, etc."
• "With him retired his ‘posse comitatus,’ / The attorney last, who linger'd near the door / Reluctantly […]"