bailey

¹ American  

[bey-lee] / ˈbeɪ li /

noun

plural

baileys

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

2. the courtyard itself.

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Bailey ² American  

[bey-lee] / ˈbeɪ li /

noun

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

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

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Bailey ¹ British  

/ 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)

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bailey ² British  

/ ˈbeɪlɪ /

noun

1. the outermost wall or court of a castle

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Etymology

Origin of bailey

1250–1300; Middle English, variant of bail ⁴

Example Sentences

“The Welsh have taken the town and are at the gates of the outer bailey. The food is giving out. The water low in the well. You must get help. You must get it soon.”

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

Pump boys were feverishly bringing water to the great tubs —it was one of those futile castles, which appear to have originated in Ireland, whose bailey was without a well.

From Literature