The Spanish Inquisition’s court officer who acted as bailiff was called the alguacil.
The alguacil was part of the tribunal’s early working staff, alongside inquisitors, theological calificadores, and the fiscal, or prosecutor. As the court’s executive officer, the alguacil carried out practical orders, including arresting suspects, guarding detainees, and helping enforce seizures of property.
The title was not unique to the Inquisition. In Spanish administrative and judicial usage, alguacil could refer to an official comparable to a sheriff, constable, or bailiff. Its precise duties varied by place and period, but the common thread was execution of the authority of a court or municipality.
The alternatives describe different roles. A nuncio delivered or publicized tribunal communications; an alcaide served as a prison keeper or warden; and a fiscal presented accusations and managed prosecutions. The Inquisition’s secretaries also had distinct jobs: the notario de secuestros recorded property taken at detention, while the notario del secreto recorded testimony.