Definition of bailiff
1a : an official employed by a British sheriff to serve writs and make arrests and executionsb : 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
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Origin and Etymology of bailiff
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 3bail
First Known Use: 14th century
BAILIFF Defined for English Language Learners
bailiff
playDefinition of bailiff for English Language Learners
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: an officer in a court of law who helps the judge control the people in the courtroom
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: someone hired by a sheriff to bring legal documents to people and to take away possessions when people cannot pay for them
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: someone who manages the land and property of another person
Law Dictionary
bailiff
playLegal Definition of bailiff
: 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
Origin and Etymology of bailiff
Anglo-French, steward, king's official, from bail stewardship, custody, handing over — see bail
Learn More about bailiff
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See words that rhyme with bailiff Spanish Central: Translation of bailiff Nglish: Translation of bailiff for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of bailiff for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bailiff
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