Shĕr'iff, n.

n. [O. Eng. shereve, A-S. scir-gerêfa, scire-gerêfa, from scir, scire, a shire, and gerêfa, a reeve. See REEVE. This word, from its derivation, would more properly be written sherif.] The chief officer of a shire or county, to whom is intrusted the execution of the laws.

☞ In England, sheriffs are appointed by the king. In the United States, sheriffs are elected by the legislature, or by the citizens, or appointed and commissioned by the executive of the State. The office of sheriff in England is judicial and ministerial. In the United States, it is mostly ministerial. The sheriff, by himself or his deputies, executes civil and criminal process throughout the county, has charge of the jail and prisoners, attends courts, and keeps the peace. His judicial authority is generally confined to ascertaining damages on writs of inquiry and the like. Sheriff, in Scotland, called sheriff-depute, is properly a judge, having also certain ministerial powers. Sheriff-clerk, the clerk of the Sheriff's Court in Scotland. Sheriff's Court in London, a tribunal having cognizance of certain personal actions in that city. Wharton. Tomlins. Erskine.