alguacil
/alɡwaˈθil/ · B1 · noun · m
bailiff
⚖️ From Arabic al-wazir, the vizier: a minister's title that became a bailiff
Like many Spanish al- words (algodón, almohada), it comes from Arabic: al-wazir meant the vizier, a high minister. In Spain the title slid down the ranks to the court officer who carries out a judge's orders.