body snatcher

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

One who makes arrests, such as a bailiff or policeman.

Register: derogatory, humorous, slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

They proved to be two of those Body-Snatchers, called hired Constables, who were patrolling the Fields.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “body snatcher” mean?

One who makes arrests, such as a bailiff or policeman.

Is “body snatcher” formal or informal?

body snatcher is generally derogatory, humorous, slang.