Definition of peeler

The word "peeler" originated in the early 19th century, specifically in the UK, and was initially used to refer to a type of police officer. Way back in the 1820s, in the city of London, a metropolitan police force was established to combat the rising crime rates in the city. The first Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Robert Peel, introduced a number of reforms to the police force that set them apart from the military-style and corrupt constabulary units that were prevalent at the time. One of the major reforms was the creation of a new rank called "Police Constable" (PC), who was responsible for patrolling the streets and enforcing the law. These PCs were often tasked with stopping and questioning people and searching them for weapons or other evidence of crime. The process of removing the outer skin of a potato or other vegetables was similarly referred to as "peeling" during this time. In the early 1840s, a street vendor selling potatoes observed a PC peeling potatoes while on duty, and he began referring to the PC as a "peeler". The term quickly caught on and was used as a derogatory term to describe the police officers. However, the officers themselves adopted the term as a badge of honor, and it has since become a widely accepted term for police constables in the United Kingdom and other countries with similar law enforcement traditions. Overall, the origin of the word "peeler" is a testament to the rich history and significant role that the police force has played in British society and the importance of Sir Robert Peel's legacy in shaping the modern police force we see today.