Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†CIVIL OFFICER, n.phr. A police officer, constable.Sc.(E) 1893 P. H. Waddell Old Kirk Chron. 157:
The “civil officer,” or “constable” as he is now frequently called, comes into much greater prominence than he possessed in the Tyninghame Records.
