bailiwick

American  

[bey-luh-wik] / ˈbeɪ ləˌwɪk /

noun

1. the district within which a bailie or bailiff has jurisdiction.

2. a person's area of skill, knowledge, authority, or work.

   to confine suggestions to one's own bailiwick.

   Synonyms:

   turf , territory , sphere , department , domain

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bailiwick British  

/ ˈbeɪlɪwɪk /

noun

1. law the area over which a bailiff has jurisdiction

2. a person's special field of interest, authority, or skill

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Other Word Forms

• subbailiwick noun

Etymology

Origin of bailiwick

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, equivalent to baili- bailie + wick wick ³

Example Sentences

“I think it's a thing which is outside the bailiwick of lots of people, and yet I think it stands the most chance of giving a really dynamic impulse to the whole scientific enterprise.”

From Salon

They are already reportedly chafing at the Musk "DOGE" contraption since budgeting really is their bailiwick and they want to do the cutting themselves.

From Salon

I didn’t want to have any input because that’s not my bailiwick.

From Salon

Its abilities were astonishing — and squarely in the bailiwick of people who generate content, such as advertising copy and blog posts, for a living.

From New York Times

“The 12th Amendment places the counting of electoral votes in the Congress’ bailiwick.

From Washington Post