posse

pos-se · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (Historical) A group of people summoned by a sheriff to help enforce the law, especially to pursue and capture a criminal.

  2. 2.

    (Informal) A group of friends or associates; a gang or crew.

  3. 3.

    A group of people with a common purpose or interest.

Forms

plural: posses

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    posse comitatus — the legal power of a sheriff to conscript citizens to help maintain order
  • •
    roll with a posse — to travel or socialize with a group of friends

Related words

See also: crew, entourage, gang, squad
Synonyms: crew, entourage, gang, group, squad

Etymology

From Medieval Latin posse comitatus ("power of the county"), from Latin posse ("to be able, have power") and comitatus ("county, retinue"). Originally referred to the body of men that a sheriff could call upon to assist in keeping the peace.