Maréchaussées de France

( Fr. ). A species of military police which formerly existed in France. During the French monarchy there were 31 companies of maréchau ées à cheval , or mounted policemen. These companies first formed for the purpose of preserving public tranquillity, and were distributed in the different provinces of the kingdom. This useful body of men was first formed under Philip I. in 1060; they were afterwards suppre ed, and again re-established in 1720, as constituting a part of the gendarmerie of France. There were other companies of maréchau ées , who were particularly distinguished from the 31 above mentioned; such, for instance, as that of the constables, called the gendarmerie.