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

And the leading bailie, one Donnan, a butcher and army contractor, sat with something less of dignity but equal efficiency in his magisterial chair.

From The Suprising Adventures of Sir Toady Lion With Those of General Napoleon Smith by Crockett, S. R. (Samuel Rutherford)

“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)

"Do ye think I'll e'er gae back to that havering, daunering cuif o' a creature, the Crail bailie?"

From Ringan Gilhaize or The Covenanters by Galt, John

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)