Old Bill


nounBritish slang
  1. a policeman

  2. the Old Bill (functioning as plural) policemen collectively or in general

Origin of Old Bill

1
C20: of uncertain origin: perhaps derived from the World War I cartoon of a soldier with a drooping moustache

Words Nearby Old Bill

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

How to use Old Bill in a sentence

  • Everyone stayed close in except Old Bill who was forced to drive to town for supplies and mail.

    The Missing Formula | Mildred A. Wirt, AKA Ann Wirt
  • The latter had gone fishing with Old Bill as his guide, and their boat could be seen trolling slowly along the far shore.

    The Missing Formula | Mildred A. Wirt, AKA Ann Wirt
  • Old Bill had been warned repeatedly to see that the boats were firmly tied, but he was careless.

    The Missing Formula | Mildred A. Wirt, AKA Ann Wirt
  • Old Bill approached warily, knowing from the tone of the voice, that something unpleasant was in store.

    The Missing Formula | Mildred A. Wirt, AKA Ann Wirt
  • Mr. Brownell wandered restlessly up and down the beach, watching the lake for a glimpse of the canoe or Old Bill.

    The Missing Formula | Mildred A. Wirt, AKA Ann Wirt