'Detective' definitions:

Definition of 'detective'

From: WordNet
noun
A police officer who investigates crimes [syn: detective, investigator, tec, police detective]
noun
An investigator engaged or employed in obtaining information not easily available to the public

Definition of 'Detective'

From: GCIDE
  • Detective \De*tect"ive\, a. Fitted for, or skilled in, detecting; employed in detecting crime or criminals; as, a detective officer. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Detective'

From: GCIDE
  • Detective \De*tect"ive\, n. One who business it is so detect criminals or discover matters of secrecy. [1913 Webster]