Des alguazils, policemen. Tliis word, of Spanisli

origin (Low Latin algatzarius . . . alguaziriis, froni Arabie al vazir {ouazîr) — tlie bearei'), refers rather disparagingly to the law-officers of ail degrees (cf. vizir) ; e.g. 'J'aurais pu rester longtemps dans les griffes des alguazils si on n'eût pas parlé de moi,' I might liave long remained in tlie claws of the law or government - police if my case had not become known (P. L. Courier, Lettres, ii. 73).