gendarme

American  

[zhahn-dahrm, zhahn-darm] / ˈʒɑn dɑrm, ʒɑ̃ˈdarm /

noun

plural

gendarmes

1. a police officer in any of several European countries, especially a French police officer.

2. a soldier, especially in France, serving in an army group acting as armed police with authority over civilians.

3. (formerly) a cavalryman in charge of a French cavalry squad.

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gendarme British  

/ ʒɑ̃darm, ˈʒɒndɑːm /

noun

1. a member of the police force in France or in countries formerly influenced or controlled by France

2. a slang word for a policeman

3. a sharp pinnacle of rock on a mountain ridge, esp in the Alps

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Etymology

Origin of gendarme

1540–50; < Middle French, earlier gens d'armes, alteration of gent d'armes people at arms

Example Sentences

"In 20 years, and despite the resolute efforts of our police officers, gendarmes, judges, teachers and elected officials, the antisemitic hydra has kept advancing," he said.

From Barron's

Under the terms of engagement, gendarmes will only intervene to stop "taxi-boats" before they take on migrants – and not when they are fully charged.

From BBC

Eventually two French gendarmes spotted them through the undergrowth and walked, slowly, forwards.

From BBC

At first the gendarmes declined to intervene and stood watching from the shore.

From BBC

We counted eighteen French gendarmes watching them from the shore, declining to intervene.

From BBC

Related Words

• constable
• detective
• man
• officer
• patrolman
• patrolwoman
• police
• policewoman