bumbailiff

American

[buhm-bey-lif] / ˌbʌmˈbeɪ lɪf /

noun

British: Disparaging.

(formerly) a bailiff or underbailiff employed in serving writs, making arrests, etc.

bumbailiff British

/ ˌbʌmˈbeɪlɪf /

noun

derogatory (formerly) an officer employed to collect debts and arrest debtors for nonpayment

"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

Etymology

Origin of bumbailiff

1595–1605; bum ² + bailiff; alluding to their following close behind debtors and other offenders

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Dunna tell me as Titus Price's never heard of a bumbailiff afore.'

From Project Gutenberg

I don't mean to be made a barrister; I'd as soon be a bumbailiff.

From Project Gutenberg

"Thee Simon Catterall, bumbailiff, catchpole, thieftaker, and"—— Here a sudden lurch threw the jailer on his beam-ends.

From Project Gutenberg

The mental processes of Charles are shown in his suggestion of a pleasant plan whereby Imlay could be lured back to England, arrested, and with the assistance of a bumbailiff, marriage forced upon him.

From Project Gutenberg

"I will admit, before going further, that in spite of the cheerful countenance I maintained before your lordship's friend, the bumbailiff, and your lackeys, I recognize that you have me in a very dangerous position."

From Project Gutenberg

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023