Bow Street runner

British  

/ bəʊ /

noun

1. (in Britain from 1749 to 1829) an officer at Bow Street magistrates' court, London, whose duty was to pursue and arrest criminals

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Example Sentences

The Bow Street runner was less amenable to discipline.

From Starvecrow Farm by Weyman, Stanley J.

When I was nearly in front of the magistrate's house, a post-chaise stopped before it, and a fellow got out whom I took to be a Bow Street runner.

From Philip Winwood A Sketch of the Domestic History of an American Captain in the War of Independence; Embracing Events that Occurred between and during the Years 1763 and 1786, in New York and London: written by His Enemy in War, Herbert Russell, Lieutenant in the Loyalist Forces. by Stephens, Robert Neilson

"He lives at Fairburn, within a stone's throw——" "You will never make a Bow Street runner," interrupted Mr. Townshend, shaking his head.

From Lost Sir Massingberd, v. 2/2 A Romance of Real Life by Payn, James

It was the name of the celebrated Bow Street runner, as given in the London Gazette.

From The Wayfarers by Snaith, J. C.

"No, I won't," said the Bow Street runner doggedly.

From A Rogue's Life by Collins, Wilkie