Definition of the word sheriff

The word "sheriff" originated in the Middle English period, around the 13th century. It comes from the Old English words "scīr" meaning "shire" or "county" and "réf" meaning "reeve" or "steward". In medieval England, a sheriff was a high-ranking official responsible for managing a county or shire. They were responsible for collecting taxes, enforcing laws, and maintaining order. The term "sheriff" is thought to have been coined because the official was seen as a steward or reeve of the king's interests in a particular shire. Over time, the role of the sheriff has evolved, but the term has remained a symbol of law enforcement and authority in many English-speaking countries.