bailey

¹

[bey-lee]

noun

plural

baileys 

1. the defensive wall surrounding an outer court of a castle.

2. the courtyard itself.

Bailey

²

[bey-lee]

noun

1. Liberty Hyde, 1858–1954, U.S. botanist, horticulturist, and writer.

2. Nathan or Nathaniel, died 1742, English lexicographer.

Bailey

¹

/ ˈbeɪlɪ /

noun

1. David . born 1938, English photographer

2. Nathan or Nathaniel . died 1742, English lexicographer: compiler of An Universal Etymological English Dictionary (1721–27)

bailey

²

/ ˈbeɪlɪ /

noun

1. the outermost wall or court of a castle

Word History and Origins

Origin of bailey¹

1250–1300; Middle English, variant of bail ⁴

Word History and Origins

Origin of bailey¹

C13: from Old French baille enclosed court, from bailler to enclose; see _bail ³

Example Sentences

When Robin crossed the outer bailey, going from the workshop along the wall to the inner castle gate, he could see only a few steps ahead.

From Literature

If the barbican fell, the castle still had two courtyards, or baileys, from which last gasp fighting could be carried out.

From Salon

Headed toward DC on route 50 and was just after the baileys crossroads interchange when I saw a brilliant, bright green streak across the sky and sputter our just over the horizon.

From Washington Post

The children marveled at the great, wide bailey, where horses were being led to stables.

From Literature

These tmmch, being supported on beams of wood which could be burned away with fire at the proper moment, had it, bringing the rubble-filled baileys down on top of them.

From Literature