In English law. One of the titles of an archbishop. Derived from the circumstance that archbishops were consecrated at first in the metropolis of a province. 4 Inst 94.
In England, the word is frequently used to designate a statute, institution, governmental agency, etc., relating exclusively or especially to the city of London; e. p., the metropolitan board of works, metropolitan buildings act, etc. Metropolitan board of works. A board constituted in 1855 by St. 18 & 19 Vict. c. 120, for the better sewering, draining, paving, cleansing, lighting, and improving the metropolis (London.) The board is elected by vestries and district boards, who in their turn are elected by the rate-payers. Wharton. Metropolitan police district. A region composed of New ork city and some adjacent territory, which was, for police purposes, organized as one district and provided with a police force common to the whole.