bailey
noun
the defensive wall surrounding an outer court of a castle.
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bailey
1 American
[bey-lee]
/ ˈbeɪ li /
noun
plural
baileys-
the defensive wall surrounding an outer court of a castle.
-
the courtyard itself.
Bailey
2
American
[bey-lee]
/ ˈbeɪ li /
noun
-
Liberty Hyde, 1858–1954, U.S. botanist, horticulturist, and writer.
-
Nathan or Nathaniel, died 1742, English lexicographer.
Bailey
1
British
/ ˈbeɪlɪ /
noun
-
David . born 1938, English photographer
-
Nathan or Nathaniel . died 1742, English lexicographer: compiler of An Universal Etymological English Dictionary (1721–27)
bailey
2
British
/ ˈbeɪlɪ /
noun
Etymology
Origin of bailey
1250–1300; Middle English, variant of bail 4
Explanation
A bailey is the sturdy wall around a castle that keeps invaders out. The bailey of a medieval castle was usually built of stone. You might see a bailey — or the remains of one — if you tour a castle in England or France. The word bailey is used both to describe the defensive wall around a castle courtyard, or sometimes the courtyard itself. This type of castle design was especially common in twelfth century England. The word comes from the Old French bail, "stake, palisade, or brace," which may be rooted in the Latin bacula, "sticks."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Strictly Come Dancing 2020 winner Bailey was made an MBE for services to entertainment.
From BBC • May 5, 2026
His case has been sent to the Old Bailey where he will next appear on 15 May for a preliminary hearing.
From BBC • May 1, 2026
Retired Hall-of-Fame jockey and NBC analyst Jerry Bailey said if he were given the choice of riding any horse in this year’s Derby field, he would pick Further Ado.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026
“We know he’s the fastest horse in the race on a given day,” Bailey said of Further Ado.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026
Bailey finds a spot to stand within the crowd.
From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
