bailiff

American  

[bey-lif] / ˈbeɪ lɪf /

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.

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bailiff British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• bailiffship noun
• subbailiff noun
• underbailiff noun

Etymology

Origin of bailiff

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

Example Sentences

“The bailiff has indicated that the Sheriff’s Department will take it on a day by day basis, so hopefully he will be cleared tomorrow.”

From Los Angeles Times

This process involved multiple court hearings, with Ms Khediri eventually having to apply for bailiffs.

From BBC

More than 11,000 households in England had their homes repossessed by bailiffs following a section 21 eviction in the year to June.

From BBC

He explained how he worked with an "English woman who dealt with electricity, gas and bailiffs".

From BBC

In the year to June, more than 11,000 households in England had their homes repossessed by bailiffs following a no-fault eviction process.

From BBC

Related Words

• constable