bailie

American  

[bey-lee] / ˈbeɪ li /

noun

1. (in Scotland) a municipal officer or magistrate, corresponding to an English alderman.

2. Obsolete. bailiff.

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bailie British  

/ ˈbeɪlɪ /

noun

1. (in Scotland) a municipal magistrate

2. an obsolete or dialect spelling of bailiff

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Other Word Forms

• subbailie noun

Etymology

Origin of bailie

1250–1300; Middle English baillie < Old French bailli, variant of baillif bailiff

Example Sentences

The only pleasant thing about cleaning one’s bailie was that this was the one moment in those early days when we could have a whispered word with our colleagues.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

William Johnston, baron, bailie "of the regalitie and barronie of Broughton," was awarded the goods of all who should be "lawfullie convict be assyses of notorious and common witches, haunting and resorting devilles and witches."

From Religion & Sex Studies in the Pathology of Religious Development by Cohen, Chapman

Jordanhill then ascended, leading the way, followed by his men, the bailie of Crail being before my grandfather.

From Ringan Gilhaize or The Covenanters by Galt, John

“Doctor, I’m ready to swear afore a bailie that I never saw them thegither at the Kaims.”

From The Little Minister by Barrie, J. M. (James Matthew)

In these demands the bailie properly acquiesced; but, on attempting in person to enforce his orders to that effect, he was denied admittance to the convent.

From Historic Ghosts and Ghost Hunters by Bruce, H. Addington (Henry Addington)