a mounted policeman. The use istransferred from the name for a private soldier in a cavalryregiment. The Native troopers, or Black police,in Queensland, are a force of aboriginal police, officered bywhite men.
1858. T. McCombie, `History of Victoria,' c. viii. p. 100:
«A violent effort [was] made by the troopers on duty todisperse an assemblage which occupied the space of ground infront of the hustings.»
1864. J. Rogers, `New Rush,' p. 51:
«A trooper spies him snoring in the street.»
1868. J. A. B., `Meta,' canto iii. ver. 20, p. 72:
«The felon crew . . . hard pressed by troopers ten.»