the principal law-enforcement officer in a county
"The sheriff arrived at the courthouse to serve the eviction notice as the county's chief law enforcement officer."
(High Sheriff) An official of a shire or county office, responsible for carrying out court orders, law enforcement and other duties.
"The new sheriff arrived to enforce the judge's ruling and restore order in the chaotic town square."
In plain English: A sheriff is an elected official who runs the police department and handles court duties for their county.
"The new sheriff is holding town hall meetings to meet with residents."
Usage: A sheriff is an elected local government officer in many US states who oversees jail operations and serves legal documents. Do not confuse this role with a marshal or constable, as sheriffs are specifically tied to county administration rather than federal jurisdiction.
To carry out the duties of a sheriff
"The veteran deputy stepped up to serve as acting sheriff during the holiday shift."
In plain English: To sheriff something means to officially appoint someone as the head of law enforcement for that area.
"The sheriff did not arrest him because he lacked sufficient evidence to charge with theft."
An English surname, from occupations.
"Sherlock Holmes is often mistaken for a real person named Sherlock, but his last name actually shares an origin like other surners derived from the occupation of sheriff."
The word sheriff comes from Old English sċīrġerēfa, which combined the terms for "shire" and "reeve." It entered Middle English as shirreve before becoming the modern spelling we use today.