In England, the word came to refer to a parish constable of the Anglican Church, one often charged with duties of charity.

The parish constable rousted the vermin over that, but of course she didn't find the books.

This is no matter for a parish constable.

However, a man named Palmer recognised them, and called for the parish constable.

Turpin was escorted to Beverley by the parish constable, Carey Gill.

This fellow-voyager proved to be no less a person than the parish constable.

Until the establishment of an official police force in 1857, Monmouth had a parish constable assisted by beadles to keep law and order.

She reported him to the local parish constable, who arrested both men.

One hardly goes to the parish constable with a story of suicide imposed by witchcraft or auto-suggestion.

The parish constable, a mournful little man, had informed him that Meg had been murdered.