Alguacil (in Spanish), Aguazil or Guazil (in Portuguese) is a title often to be met in stories and plays, derived from the Arabic "قاضی (Ghadhi)", meaning judge, preceded by the article "al". The alguacil among the early Spaniards was a judge, and sometimes the governor of a town or fortress, or the master at arms on a vessel.[1] In later times he has gradually sunk down to the rank of an officer of the court, who is trusted with the service of writs and certain police duties, but he is still of higher rank than the mere corchete or catch-poll. The title has also been given to inspectors of weights and measures in market-places, and similar officials. There were two types of Aguacils: The Aguacils Mayors and Aguacils Minors.
The Aguacils more important were the Aguacils Mayors. These positions were held by the most prominent families, so they annexed the office of regidores. Its function was to arrest people provided by the inquisitors and the seizure of their property. At first was also in charge of the prison, but this function is passed very soon be the responsibility of the Alcaide. To do this had to be accompanied by the recipient, the Secretary of kidnapping and family. He could seek the support of civil authorities. It also ensured the safety of detainees and because they had no communications with others except, of course, those authorized by the inquisitors. Among the junior officers, the Alguacil Mayor held the largest category with the Secret Notaries. [2] The others functions of a Aguacil Mayor were:
The Aguacils Minors generally perform the duties on behalf of the Aguacil Mayor.