POSSE COMITATUS

Lat. The power or force of the county. The entire population of a county above the age of fifteen, which a sheriff may summon to his a istance in certain cases; as to aid him in keeping the peace, in pursuing and arresting felons, etc. 1 Bl. Comm. 348. See Com. v. Martin, 7 Pa. Dist. R. 224. [s. 921]