sheriff

noun sheh-REEF Rare

Origin: Old English scirgerefa 'shire reeve'

Usage Note

Sheriff in French refers specifically to the American or cinematic concept of a county law officer; France has no equivalent domestic institution. The word is borrowed directly from English and appears frequently in discussions of Westerns (un film de cow-boys) or American local government. It is invariable in the plural: des sheriffs.

Examples

"Le sheriff a arrêté le bandit."

Natural Translation

The sheriff arrested the bandit.

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