sheriff
Definition
The chief elected law enforcement officer of a county in the United States, responsible for maintaining public safety, serving legal documents, and operating the county jail.
Historically, in England, a royal official appointed to keep the peace in a shire (county) and represent the crown.
Informally, any figure who enforces rules or order in a community, workplace, or group, often with a touch of frontier swagger.
Examples
The small-town sheriff chased the donut thief through the bakery, badge flashing like a disco ball.
In our office, Karen's the unofficial sheriff, ticketing anyone who microwaves fish for lunch.
The sheriff rode up on his ATV, drawling about jaywalking tumbleweeds in the suburban Wild West.
Hollywood's favorite sheriff always saves the day with a squint, a six-shooter, and suspiciously perfect hair.