An official responsible for enforcing the law in a county or region, especially in the United States and historically in England. Sheriffs may run jails, serve legal papers, and provide police services.
From Old English 'scīrgerēfa', a compound of 'scīr' (shire, county) + 'gerēfa' (reeve, official). Over time, 'shire-reeve' was shortened and altered to become 'sheriff'.
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