bumbailiff
Americannoun
noun
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.
"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 The Lion's Skin by Sabatini, Rafael
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 Little Journeys to the Homes of the Great - Volume 13 Little Journeys to the Homes of Great Lovers by Hubbard, Elbert
Dunna tell me as Titus Price's never heard of a bumbailiff afore.'
From Anna of the Five Towns by Bennett, Arnold
"Thee Simon Catterall, bumbailiff, catchpole, thieftaker, and"—— Here a sudden lurch threw the jailer on his beam-ends.
From Traditions of Lancashire, Volume 2 by Roby, John
I don't mean to be made a barrister; I'd as soon be a bumbailiff.
From Our Home in the Silver West A Story of Struggle and Adventure by Stables, Gordon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
