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.

---

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

---

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 • Dec. 16, 2025

McKillen’s lawyers told the Irish Times that their client “vigorously denies any violence or any wrongdoing” against the bailiff and claimed the allegations against him were “false.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2025

Doorbell camera footage shows Rachel telling the bailiff the fines were being challenged and showing him her completed online forms.

From BBC • Nov. 5, 2024

The former deputy, Ben Fields, was Stines' successor as bailiff.

From Salon • Sep. 21, 2024

“You’re not dead. No need to call the bailiff to cart you off. Now out of that heap and away.”

From "The Midwife's Apprentice" by Karen Cushman

Related Words

• constable