Where does the term “catchpole” come from and What does catchpole mean?

The original of the word “catchpole”, back in the twelfth century, was the surname of mixed language, cassa pullum, “the fowl catcher,” denoting a legitimate occupation, such as “cowboy” does today.

But the fowls so caught were seized for the payment of taxes.

Hence, in time the catchpole or catchpoll became a minor court officer, a bailiff.