secret service

noun
1.
the branch of governmental service that conducts secret investigations, especially investigations into the military strength of other nations.
2.
(initial capital letters) the branch of the U.S. Department of the Treasury charged chiefly with the discovery and apprehension of counterfeiters and with providing protection for the president and the president's immediate family.
3.
secret work for a government, especially espionage.
Origin
1730-40
Related forms
secret-service, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for secret service

secret service

noun
1.
a government agency or department that conducts intelligence or counterintelligence operations
2.
such operations

Secret Service

noun
1.
a US government agency responsible for the protection of the president, the suppression of counterfeiting, and certain other police activities
secret service in Culture

Secret Service definition


A division of the United States Department of the Treasury, responsible for apprehending counterfeiters; investigating a variety of federal crimes; and protecting presidents and their families, presidential candidates, and foreign dignitaries visiting the United States.