harness bull
A dated American slang term for a uniformed police officer — specifically one who walks a beat in full uniform, as opposed to a plainclothes detective.
Definitions
A dated American slang term for a uniformed police officer — specifically one who walks a beat in full uniform, as opposed to a plainclothes detective. The "harness" refers to the belt, holster, and gear a cop straps on, and "bull" was old-school criminal slang for a cop or lawman. Put them together and you get a vivid image of someone all geared up in official uniform. Though old-fashioned today, you'll still catch it in crime fiction, noir films, and classic TV dramas.
The pickpocket spotted the harness bull on the corner and immediately changed direction.
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(US, slang, dated) A uniformed police officer.
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(US, _, slang) A police badge.