bailie

noun

bai·lie ˈbā-lē

1

chiefly dialectal : bailiff

2

: a Scottish municipal magistrate corresponding to an English alderman

Word History

Etymology

Middle English — more at bailiff

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of bailie was in the 13th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Bailie.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bailie. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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