plainclothesman
Americannoun
-
plainclothesmen
plural
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of plainclothesman
First recorded in 1925–30; plain clothes + man
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Three weeks ago, a plainclothesman knocked on his door and informed him that he must leave Poland by the end of the month.
From Time Magazine Archive
Rudd himself was arrested by a long-haired plainclothesman who, passing as a protester, had mingled with the students and won their confidence.
From Time Magazine Archive
MVD plainclothesman rushed the Burmese soldier to try to stop the picture.
From Time Magazine Archive
The police identified him as Franco Bertucci, a salesman and onetime plainclothesman on Rome's own police force.
From Time Magazine Archive
“How come they don’t get a plainclothesman after women like that?”
From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole
A squad of plainclothesmen that happened to be nearby was ordered to respond to the call.
From US News ● Aug. 8, 2014
Thousands of police in riot gear were deployed to protect cinemas with plainclothesmen also inside the halls.
From Reuters ● Feb. 12, 2010
The Americans, guarded by Egyptian uniformed police and plainclothesmen, enjoyed an early-afternoon meal in the grand ballroom, dining on tomato soup, roast chicken and French pastry.
From Time Magazine Archive
So last week, with about 30 reporters and photographers, half a dozen plainclothesmen and several aides in tow, the California Governor became plain ole Citizen Brown and trooped into a Sacramento courtroom.
From Time Magazine Archive
He too stood in lengthy conference with the two plainclothesmen, and then with Leon, and finally with Leon and Mrs. Tallis.
From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan
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