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

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

Garbis Chekerdjian, a real-estate developer and construction-company owner from Lebanon, sat with his wife, Sonia, and several compatriots at one of the tables on the castle’s bailey.

From The New Yorker • Sep. 21, 2015

TTie carpenters had erected a gallery and lists in the outer bailey.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

Arya had seen them in the bailey a hundred times; the Redwyne twins, Ser Hdras and Ser Hobber, homely youths with orange hair and sqfiare, freckled faces.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin

When her head reached ground level, she peered across the bailey to the Tower of the Hand.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin

He waddled out into the lower bailey; his stunted legs complained of the steps.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin