bailey

noun

bai·​ley ˈbā-lē 

plural baileys

1

: the outer wall of a castle or any of several walls surrounding the keep

2

: a courtyard within the external wall or between two outer walls of a castle

Examples of bailey in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Shadow bands, baileys beads, and diamond ring will reappear in opposite order. — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2024

Paths and gardens fill the bailey – the courtyard where soldiers may have trained. — Lauren Beale, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2021

Dan McLaughlin wrote a brilliant piece recently about the Left’s motte-and-bailey tactics regarding the debate around CRT, and Quarshie’s definition is in the very bowels of the motte. — Luther Ray Abel, National Review, 22 June 2021

But avoid mixers whenever possible — margarita mix, schnapps, baileys, curacao will generally add 10g of carbs per serving. — Kimberly Mugler, Philly.com, 26 May 2018

Your feudal lord did not have a range of mottes, baileys, bartizans, drawbridges, dungeons, machicolations and turrets to choose from. — A-LIST, 2 Oct. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bailli, palisade, bailey, from Anglo-French baille, balie

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing bailey

• motte and bailey

Rhymes for bailey

• bailee
• bailie
• baily
• daily
• gaily
• gayly
• scaly
• israeli
• ukulele

Biographical Definition

Bailey 1 of 3

biographical name (1)

Bai·​ley ˈbā-lē 

Liberty Hyde 1858–1954 American botanist

Bailey

2 of 3

biographical name (2)

Nathan or Nathaniel died 1742 English lexicographer

Bailey

3 of 3

biographical name (3)

Pearl Mae 1918–1990 American singer