sceriffo

sheriff

noun sheh-REEF-foh Rare

Origin: From English sheriff, ultimately from Old English scirgerefa (shire reeve).

Usage Note

Sceriffo is the standard Italian word for an American or Wild West sheriff. It is also used colloquially to describe someone who acts as a self-appointed enforcer of rules — fare lo sceriffo means 'to play sheriff' (to act like a bossy enforcer). The plural is sceriffi; the feminine sceriffa is possible but rare.

Examples

"Lo sceriffo arrestò il fuorilegge al saloon."

Natural Translation

The sheriff arrested the outlaw at the saloon.

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