private detective
noun
a detective who is not a member of an official force but is employed by private parties.
Origin of private detective
First recorded in 1865–70
Also called private investigator.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for private detective
detective, gumshoe, sleuth, eye, inspector, investigator, operative, PI, beagle, dick, flatfoot, sleuthhound, spotter, tecprivate detective
noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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