‖ [ L. posse to be able, to have power + LL. comitatus a county, from comes, comitis, a count. See County, and Power. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. (Law) The power of the county, or the citizens who may be summoned by the sheriff to assist the authorities in suppressing a riot, or executing any legal precept which is forcibly opposed. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A collection of people; a throng; a rabble. [ Colloq. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The word comitatus is often omitted, and posse alone used. “A whole posse of enthusiasts.” Carlyle. [ 1913 Webster ]

As if the passion that rules were the sheriff of the place, and came off with all the posse. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]