bailiff

noun

bai·​liff ˈbā-ləf 

1

a

: an official employed by a British sheriff to serve writs and make arrests and executions

b

: a minor officer of some U.S. courts usually serving as a messenger or usher

2

chiefly British : one who manages an estate or farm

bailiffship

ˈbā-ləf-ˌship 

noun

Examples of bailiff in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The seminal New Wave classic had been the film scheduled to screen in 2018 when bailiffs first entered the cinema to shut down operations. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 19 June 2024

The bailiff blocked him, the two grappled, and the bailiff shouted that Vaughan had his gun. —Doug Bock Clark, ProPublica, 17 June 2024

Trial expenses include travel and lodging costs for jurors and bailiffs. —Anthony Kuipers, Idaho Statesman, 12 June 2024

So, the court bailiff handcuffed Liles again and escorted her back into custody. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 30 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English baillif, bailie, from Anglo-French baillif, from bail power, authority, office, from baillier to govern, administer, from Medieval Latin bajulare to care for, support, from Latin, to carry a burden — more at bail entry 3

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

bailiff

noun

bai·​liff ˈbā-ləf 

1

: any of various officials

especially : a minor officer of some U.S. courts usually serving as a messenger or doorkeeper

2

chiefly British : one who manages an estate or farm

Legal Definition

bailiff

noun

bai·​liff ˈbā-ləf 

: an officer of some courts in the U.S. whose duties usually include keeping order in the courtroom and guarding prisoners or jurors in deliberation

Etymology

Anglo-French, steward, king's official, from bail stewardship, custody, handing over see bail