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 department spokesperson said in an emailed statement last week that it had launched criminal and internal administrative investigations into Devoe, who worked as a bailiff at the Antelope Valley Courthouse in Lancaster.

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 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

Two more penalties followed and, along with bailiff fees, Andy was told he owed £2,500.

From BBC • Nov. 5, 2024

Stines, elected sheriff in 2019, had previously served as a bailiff for Mullins in the southeastern Kentucky town of Whitesburg.

From Salon • Sep. 21, 2024

The bailiff knocked at the door to the judge’s chambers, then opened it and said that the sheriff was present on business he wished to keep private.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson

Related Words

• constable