Catchpoled

/ˈkætʃpoʊld/ adjective, verb

Definition

Seized, arrested, or subjected to the actions of a catchpole; past tense of the verb 'catchpole' (to arrest or seize as a catchpole would).

Etymology

From 'catchpole' + '-ed' past tense suffix. As a verb form, it carries the meaning of being subjected to the aggressive enforcement typical of catchpoles.

Kelly Says

A catchpoled person in medieval tales was one victimized by corrupt officials—dragged away by force over debts or falsified charges. It's a word that encodes medieval people's fear of arbitrary authority.

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