bumbailiff

[ buhm-bey-lif ]
/ ˌbʌmˈbeɪ lɪf /

noun British: Disparaging.

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

Origin of bumbailiff

1595–1605; bum2 + bailiff; alluding to their following close behind debtors and other offenders

British Dictionary definitions for bumbailiff

bumbailiff
/ (ˌbʌmˈbeɪlɪf) /

noun

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

Word Origin for bumbailiff

C17: from bum 1 + bailiff, so called because he follows hard behind debtors