Follow Us on
Policeman (9) - Crossword Clue
Answer: CONSTABLE
CONSTABLE is the answer to this crossword clue. A constable is a police officer of the lowest rank in British and Commonwealth police forces, making it the perfect 9-letter solution for "Policeman."
Understanding the Answer
- The word constable comes from the Latin "comes stabuli," meaning "count of the stable." Historically, constables were royal officials responsible for maintaining order.
- Today, a constable serves as a fundamental member of law enforcement, patrolling communities, responding to emergencies, and upholding the law.
Related Terms and Context
- Police ranks vary globally. In the United States, equivalent positions include patrol officer or police officer. European countries use terms like "gendarme" (France) or "carabiniere" (Italy).
- Understanding these variations helps solvers tackle international crossword puzzles.
- The constable role encompasses diverse responsibilities: community policing, crime prevention, traffic enforcement, and emergency response.
- This breadth makes the term valuable for crossword constructors seeking police-themed clues.
Tips for Solving Police-Themed Clues
- Check the letter count first - This eliminates many possibilities immediately
- Consider regional terminology - British crosswords favor "constable" while American puzzles might use "patrolman"
- Look for crossing letters - Letters from intersecting answers confirm or eliminate options
- Think about rank structure - Lower ranks (constable, officer) appear more often than senior positions
- Watch for cryptic indicators - Straightforward clues like "Policeman (9)" usually want direct synonyms
Policeman (9) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What's the difference between a constable and a police officer?
A: In Commonwealth countries, constable IS the official rank name for a police officer. In the US, "police officer" or "patrolman" serves the same function, though constable can refer to elected officials with limited law enforcement duties.
Q: Why is constable 9 letters when policeman is also 9 letters?
A: Crossword clues often match word length to create fair puzzles. The letter count in parentheses tells solvers exactly how many letters the answer requires.
Q: Are there other 9-letter answers for "Policeman"?
A: Possible alternatives include "detective," "patrolman," or "inspector," but CONSTABLE remains the most frequently used answer in crosswords, especially British-style puzzles.
Q: How do I know when a clue wants a British term versus American?
A: The puzzle source provides clues - British publications (The Guardian, The Times) favor Commonwealth terminology, while American outlets (NYT, USA Today) prefer US terms. When uncertain, crossing letters help confirm.
Q: Can constable appear in cryptic crosswords?
A: Absolutely. While this example shows a straightforward definition clue, constable might hide in anagrams ("Constable's terrible act" = CONSTABLE anagram) or other cryptic constructions.
