bailiff
[ bey-lif ]
/ ˈbeɪ lɪf /
noun
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.
(in Britain) a person charged with local administrative authority, or the chief magistrate in certain towns.
(especially in Britain) an overseer of a landed estate or farm.
Origin of bailiff
OTHER WORDS FROM bailiff
bail·iff·ship, noun sub·bail·iff, noun un·der·bail·iff, nounWords nearby bailiff
baile átha cliath,
bailee,
bailey,
bailey bridge,
bailie,
bailiff,
bailiwick,
baillie,
bailment,
bailor,
bailout
Example sentences from the Web for bailiff
British Dictionary definitions for bailiff
bailiff
/ (ˈbeɪlɪf) /
noun
British
the agent or steward of a landlord or landowner
a sheriff's officer who serves writs and summonses, makes arrests, and ensures that the sentences of the court are carried out
mainly British
(formerly) a high official having judicial powers
mainly US
an official having custody of prisoners appearing in court
Word Origin for bailiff
C13: from Old French
baillif, from
bail custody; see
bail
1