"Form a posse" is a typical line from many 'B' Westerns. But where was the word "posse" imported from?
The term "posse" comes from Latin. The original phrase posse comitātūs meant "power or force of the county". The term was adopted by English speakers at the end of the 16th century and was shortened to posse in the middle of the 17th century.
In fact, the term is considered obsolete in Modern English, but it's still used in the United States to describe any law enforcement. While the original meaning refers to a group of citizens assembled by the authorities to deal with an emergency, the phrase is also often used to describe any group or force with hostile intent. Sometimes it occurs as a metaphorical term.
More Info:
en.wikipedia.org
What are your thoughts on this subject?
13 Comments
Shirley Campbell
Back many years ago when I was a kid. The Bingham County Sheriff's department had a symbolic Sheriff's posse that my uncle road with. They all had horses and met together. I remember them going out to look for lost persons in the desert. Horses were the original four wheel drive vehicle back then.
Patty K
I've used the word posse since I was a kid to explain how to pronounce my last name. "Think of the western movies with a posse. Change the p to a k and you have my name, spelled and pronounced...Kosse."
It seems most who read my name cannot pronounce it and most who hear my name cannot spell it. Such a nuisance since I moved often as a kid.
GONavarini
A key subcomponent of U.S. federal law, in the form of the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which prohibits the federal military from direct law enforcement.
Helga U. Williams
I chose Latin as a guess, but certainly enjoyed the interesting narrative. I was not familiar with the Latin meaning and appreciate the education. Good question!
👍
Mary Evens
Now we mainly hear posse used to describe the hangers-on of a Famous Person (FP), who are always seen out with the FP on his/her dime.
earlepg
The Latin words "posse comitatus" came to mind immediately.
Francie Carlson
Did a 50/50. Choices were French and Latin. Chose Latin.
mapiferuk
Never hear of it, but it made sense to be Latin, I just learnt something new, good question
Pat Salloum
Did the Romans use a posse to hunt down the bad guys?
lls
James Webb, I didn't know that! How interesting!
Corey Taylor
Girlfriend: What is the appeal of the posse?
Jerry Seinfeld: The appeal of the posse? Come on! It's a week-long game of hide and seek on horseback!
g sanborn
Nicole Toma-Tolman, Probably because you have just a few questions, not 756 like the author of this one. Keep at it though and yours will be published!!
Nicole Toma-Tolman
When I think of the word posse, I think more of "crew" or a group. I have never looked at a group of cops and thought, "Hey look, a posse." :/ And also, those are languages, not places. Okay, how come my question is not getting approved when it is ten times more interesting and accurate? *grimble grumble groan*