posse comitatus

[pos-ee kom-i-tah-tuhs, -tey-]

noun

1. the body of persons that a peace officer of a county is empowered to call upon for assistance in preserving the peace, making arrests, and serving writs.

2. a body of persons so called into service.

posse comitatus

/ ˌkɒmɪˈtɑːtəs /

noun

1. the formal legal term for posse

Word History and Origins

Origin of posse comitatus¹

1620–30; < Medieval Latin: posse of the county

Word History and Origins

Origin of posse comitatus¹

Medieval Latin: strength (manpower) of the county