Catchpolling

/ˈkætʃpɔlɪŋ/ verb, noun

Definition

The act of performing the duties of a catchpoll; engaging in corrupt seizures and debt collection as an official would.

Etymology

From 'catchpoll' + '-ing' suffix. Variant form of 'catchpoling' using the alternate spelling.

Kelly Says

Both 'catchpoling' and 'catchpolling' appear in historical records, describing the same hated practice. The doubled 'l' variant might reflect regional pronunciations, showing how English varied regionally long before standard spelling existed.

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