Homonym: shire reeve (Sheriff)
A "shire reeve" was an official in medieval England responsible for overseeing a shire, which is a historical term for a county. The role involved managing local law enforcement, collecting taxes, and ensuring the king's laws were enforced. The shire reeve acted as a liaison between the local community and the monarchy.
The term "shire reeve" eventually evolved into the modern title "sheriff." This position remains significant today, as sheriffs are still responsible for law enforcement and maintaining order within their jurisdictions, reflecting the historical roots of the role in the English legal system.