[Sp. alguazil (now alguacil), earlier forms of which in Pg. are al-vazil, al-vazir, ad. Arab. al-wazīr, i.e., al the, wasīr vizier, minister, officer, f. wazara to carry, carry on, = L. gerere.] Originally the same word as vizier, the meaning of which descended in Spain through that of justiciary or justice, to warrant-officer or serjeant.
1598. Barret, Theor. Warres, Gloss. 249. Alguazil, a Spanish word, is an officer attendant on the Campe-maister Generall, to apprehend offenders, and to see execution done.
1651. A. Weldon, Crt. K. James, 43. An Allagozy, which is a great officer or judge in Spain.
1670. Lond. Gaz., ccccxcvii/3. The Alguasils having got together about 150 persons, set upon 20 Souldiers.
1706. Phillips, Alguazil, a Sergeant or Officer that arrests People in Spain.
1712. W. Rogers, Voy. (1718), 200. Algozils or Serjeants.
1841. Macaulay, Ess., Hastings, 623. Died of rage and shame in the gripe of the vile alguazils of Impey.
1843. Prescott, Mexico, II. ii. (1864), 78. An alguasil suddenly sprang on him from behind and pinioned his arms.
1880. Daily Tel., 22 Sept. The powers of the School Board and their alguazils cease with the lighting of the street lamps.
