‖ alguazil
(ælgwəˈzɪl, Sp. algwaˈθil)
[Sp. alguazil (now alguacil), earlier forms of which in Pg. are al-vazil, al-vazir, ad. Arab. al-wazīr, i.e. al the, wazīr vizier, minister, officer, f. wazara to carry, carry on, = L. gerere.]
Originally the same word as vizier, the meaning of which descended in Spain through that of justiciary or justice, to warrant-officer or serjeant.
| 1598 Barret Theor. Warres Gloss. 249 Alguazil, a Spanish word, is an officer attendant on the Campe-maister Generall, to apprehend offenders, and to see execution done. 1651 A. Weldon Crt. K. James 43 An Allagozy, which is a great officer or judge in Spain. 1670 Lond. Gaz. ccccxcvii/3 The Alguasils having got together about 150 persons, set upon 20 Souldiers. 1706 Phillips, Alguazil, a Sergeant or Officer that arrests People in Spain. 1712 W. Rogers Voy. (1718) 200 Algozils or Serjeants. 1841 Macaulay Ess., Hastings 623 Died of rage and shame in the gripe of the vile alguazils of Impey. 1843 Prescott Mexico ii. ii. (1864) 78 An alguasil suddenly sprang on him from behind and pinioned his arms. 1880 Daily Tel. 22 Sept., The powers of the School Board and their alguazils cease with the lighting of the street lamps. |