noun
- A Spanish or Spanish-American official or officer, historically a constable, bailiff, or peace officer.
- In bullfighting, an official who assists in managing the arena and enforcing rules.
Usage: historical; chiefly Spanish-speaking regions
Usage: specialized; bullfighting
Examples
- The alguacil was responsible for maintaining order in the colonial town.
- During the bullfight, the alguacil rode on horseback to oversee the proceedings.
- In Spanish law enforcement history, the alguacil served as a local peace officer.
- The alguacil announced the rules before the corrida began.
- Historical records show that alguaciles held considerable authority in frontier settlements.