from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Inspector \In*spect"or\, n. [L.: cf. F. inspecteur.]
1. One who inspects, views, or oversees; one to whom the
supervision of any work is committed; one who makes an
official view or examination, as a military or civil
officer; a superintendent; a supervisor; an overseer.
[1913 Webster]
2. A police officer, typically holding a rank one below
superintendent, and in some cases in charge of several
precincts; as, inspector Clousseau is investigating the
case.
[PJC]
{Inspector general} (Mil.), a staff officer of an army, whose
duties are those of inspection, and embrace everything
relative to organization, recruiting, discharge,
administration, accountability for money and property,
instruction, police, and discipline.
[1913 Webster]