US, often disparaging
: a security worker (such as a guard) who is not a police officer

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rent-a-cop was in 1963

Dictionary Entries Near rent-a-cop

Cite this Entry

“Rent-a-cop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rent-a-cop. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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