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Definition of private detective - 4 dictionary results

private detective

–noun
a detective who is not a member of an official force but is employed by private parties.


Origin:
1865–70
private detective  
n.  See private investigator.
private investigator  
n.   Abbr. PI
A person privately hired to do investigative or detective work. Also called private detective, private eye.

Main Entry: private detective
Function: noun
: PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
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