bumbailiff

[ buhm-bey-lif ]

noun

, British: Disparaging.

1. (formerly) a bailiff or underbailiff employed in serving writs, making arrests, etc.

bumbailiff

/ ˌbʌmˈbeɪlɪf /

noun

1. derogatory.
   (formerly) an officer employed to collect debts and arrest debtors for nonpayment

Word History and Origins

Origin of bumbailiff¹

1595–1605; bum ² + bailiff; alluding to their following close behind debtors and other offenders

Word History and Origins

Origin of bumbailiff¹

C17: from bum ¹+ bailiff, so called because he follows hard behind debtors