[ad. Gr. εἰρηνάρχης, f. εἰρήνη peace + ἄρχειν to rule. (In English Latin eirenarcha is used for ‘justice of the peace.’)] An officer charged with preserving the public peace. Hence Eirenarchical a., having the function of an eirenarch. Eirenarchy (see quot.).
1641. J. Jackson, True Evang. T., III. 173. The Messias where he is Monarchicall, and rules, is also Eirenarchicall, and atones.
1656. Blount, Glossogr., Eirenarchy, the office or Government of a Constable, or a Iustice of the Peace.
1721–1801. Bailey, Eirenarch, a Justice of the Peace.
1775. in Ash.
1867. Pearson, Early & Mid. Ages Eng., I. 48. Under these, probably, were eirenarchs, or village bailiffs.
