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

Ashley's order requires the sheriff to staff two bailiffs in felony criminal courts; one bailiff in family court and misdemeanor court; and staff other courts as needed. —David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2024

Detroit police were on the scene after the bailiff requested assistance, according to the police department. —Nushrat Rahman, Detroit Free Press, 5 Sep. 2024

Earlier this month, a bailiff shot and killed a man during an eviction on Detroit’s west side. —Nushrat Rahman, Detroit Free Press, 30 July 2024

This happened multiple times until the bailiff physically removed Jarrell from the courtroom. —Timothy H.j. Nerozzi Fox News, Fox News, 9 Aug. 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