bail

noun (1)

\ ˈbāl

Definition of bail

(Entry 1 of 7)

: a container used to remove water from a boat

bail

verb (1)

bailed; bailing; bails

Definition of bail (Entry 2 of 7)

transitive verb

1 : to clear (water) from a boat by dipping and throwing over the side —usually used with out bailing water out of the boat

2 : to clear water from by dipping and throwing —usually used with out had to start bailing out the rowboat

intransitive verb

: bail out sense 2 You can't say he has ever bailed when things got tough, because that's just not true.— Richard Hoffer Before the party moved elsewhere, I bailed, exhausted.— Steve Hirdt

bail

noun (2)

Definition of bail (Entry 3 of 7)

law

1 : the temporary release of a prisoner in exchange for security (see security sense 2a) given for the prisoner's appearance at a later hearing being held without bail The suspect is now out on bail.

2 : security given for the release of a prisoner on bail Bail was set at $300,000. a motion to reduce bail

3 : one who provides bail

bail

verb (2)

bailed; bailing; bails

Definition of bail (Entry 4 of 7)

transitive verb

1 : to temporarily release (a prisoner) in exchange for security (see security sense 2a) given for appearance at a later hearing : to release under bail (see bail entry 3 sense 1)

2 : to procure the release of by giving bail (see bail entry 3 sense 2) —often used with out Her lawyer bailed her out of jail.

3 : to help from a predicament —used with out His parents are always bailing him out of trouble.bail out impoverished countries

bail

noun (3)

Definition of bail (Entry 5 of 7)

1a : a U-shaped strip used to support something (such as the cover of a wagon or the canopy of a small boat)

b : a hinged bar for holding paper against the platen of a typewriter

2 : a usually arched handle (as of a kettle or pail)

bail

verb (3)

bailed; bailing; bails

Definition of bail (Entry 6 of 7)

transitive verb

: to deliver (personal property) in trust to another for a special purpose and for a limited period

bail

noun (4)

Definition of bail (Entry 7 of 7)

chiefly British

: a device for confining or separating animals

First Known Use of bail

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (1)

1613, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

1548, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (3)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (3)

1768, in the meaning defined above

Noun (4)

1844, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for bail

Noun (1)

Middle English baille, from Anglo-French, bucket, from Medieval Latin bajula water vessel, from feminine of Latin bajulus porter, carrier

Verb (1)

verbal derivative of bail entry 1

Noun (2)

Middle English, custody, bail, from Anglo-French, literally, handing over, delivery, from baillier to give, entrust, hand over, from Latin bajulare to carry a burden, from bajulus porter, carrier

Verb (2)

verbal derivatiave of bail entry 3

Noun (3)

Middle English beil, baile, probably from Old English *begel, *bygel; akin to Middle Dutch beughel iron ring, hilt guard; akin to Old English būgan to bend — more at bow

Verb (3)

Anglo-French baillier

Noun (4)

perhaps from bail entry 5

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about bail

Dictionary Entries near bail

Statistics for bail

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for bail

The first known use of bail was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for bail

bail

verb

\ ˈbāl

bailed; bailing

Kids Definition of bail

(Entry 1 of 3)

: to dip and throw out water (as from a boat)

bail out

: to jump out of an airplane

bail

noun

Kids Definition of bail (Entry 2 of 3)

: money given to free a prisoner until his or her trial

bail

verb

bailed; bailing

Kids Definition of bail (Entry 3 of 3)

: to get the release of (a prisoner) by giving money as a guarantee of the prisoner's return for trial

bail

noun

\ ˈbāl

Legal Definition of bail

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : the temporary release of a prisoner in exchange for security given for the prisoner's appearance at a later hearing while free on bail

2 : the security given for a prisoner's release also : the amount or terms of the security excessive bail shall not be required — U.S. Constitution amend. VIII posted cash bail motion to reduce bail

3 : one who provides bail and is liable for the released prisoner's appearance bail may arrest or authorize arrest of principal — Code of Alabama

jump bail

: to flee the jurisdiction while released on bail

make bail

: to be released on bail

bail

transitive verb

Legal Definition of bail (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : to release on bail

2 : to obtain the release of by giving bail —often used with out

3 : to place (personal property) under a bailment identity of the article claimed to have been bailed — Peet v. Roth Hotel Co., 253 N.W. 546 (1934)

Note: Property is usually bailed by putting it temporarily in the custody of another for a specific purpose, as safekeeping or delivery to a third party.