During the colonial period the term was used to refer to royal officials and to immigrants.

"They," he said, referring to officials from the liquor authority, "haven't said where we can get them."

Dr. Copeland called and was told her case had been referred to appropriate officials.

"If somebody had told me that this would hamper their investigation," he said, referring to federal officials, "it would have been over."

"I would expect our people to say something about it," said Helmick, referring to officials.

"They weren't happy with me calling it that," he said, referring to officials from the theater fund.

The term "the court" is also used to refer to the presiding officer or officials, usually one or more judges.

"Oh, we're going to win Game 6," Wallace said, and then referred to officials.

CBS did not identify its sources, referring only to officials.

They argue that the "if appropriate" language refers to judges and other appointed officials for whom replacement elections are not relevant.