(Originally) †the enforcement of religious laws; (subsequently) a police force whose task this is; (now chiefly) specifically (in certain Islamic countries) an organization or body appointed to enforce Islamic law.
Origin
Late 18th century.
Definition of religious police in US English:
religious police
noun
(Originally) †the enforcement of religious laws; (subsequently) a police force whose task this is; (now chiefly) specifically (in certain Islamic countries) an organization or body appointed to enforce Islamic law.