bailiff

[ bey-lif ]

noun

1. an officer, similar to a sheriff or a sheriff's deputy, employed to execute writs and processes, make arrests, keep order in the court, etc.
2. (in Britain) a person charged with local administrative authority, or the chief magistrate in certain towns.
3. (especially in Britain) an overseer of a landed estate or farm.

bailiff

/ ˈbeɪlɪf /

noun

1. the agent or steward of a landlord or landowner
2. a sheriff's officer who serves writs and summonses, makes arrests, and ensures that the sentences of the court are carried out
3. (formerly) a high official having judicial powers
4. an official having custody of prisoners appearing in court

Other Words From

• bailiff·ship noun
• sub·bailiff noun
• under·bailiff noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bailiff¹

1250–1300; Middle English baillif < Old French, equivalent to bail custody ( bail ¹ ) + -if -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of bailiff¹

C13: from Old French baillif , from bail custody; see bail ¹

Example Sentences

Two months before, a court bailiff had notified the real Hermitage about the lawsuits.

From The Daily Beast

Before long, the judge asked the bailiff to remove him, Cooley said.

From The Daily Beast

I saw a bailiff out of the corner of my eye begin to move toward us.

From The Daily Beast

But after a whispered sidebar conference, a uniformed bailiff appeared to escort Mrs. Sandusky and a young male out of the room.

From The Daily Beast

As he spoke, a female bailiff delivered a stack of thick brown paper restroom hand towels to the defendant.

From The Daily Beast

The declaration of war, or cessation thereof, used to be proclaimed in the market by the High Bailiff.

From Project Gutenberg

Mme. Baudoyer, born Mitral, was the sister of the bailiff of that name.

From Project Gutenberg

The bailiff, justiciary of the seigniory, had just arrived at the village, accompanied with five or six armed men.

From Project Gutenberg

The bailiff having finished his reading, beckoned to a serf named Peter the Lame.

From Project Gutenberg

Accidentally the bailiff caught sight of the blind serf, mutilated of his four limbs.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• constable