Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for bailiff

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


Discover More

Other Words From

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bailiff1

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bailiff1

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

Example Sentences

The new policy took immediate effect and applied to all employees, including bailiffs, commissioners, clerks and judges, according to the memo.

As bailiffs escorted her into court Thursday, Williams whispered, “Hi, Mom,” to her mother, who was seated at the defense table.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Advertisement

Related Words

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


bailiebailiwick