bailiff

[ bey-lif ]
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noun
  1. an officer, similar to a sheriff or a sheriff's deputy, employed to execute writs and processes, make arrests, keep order in the court, etc.

  2. (in Britain) a person charged with local administrative authority, or the chief magistrate in certain towns.

  1. (especially in Britain) an overseer of a landed estate or farm.

Origin of bailiff

1
1250–1300; Middle English baillif<Old French, equivalent to bail custody (see bail1) + -if-ive

Other words from bailiff

  • bail·iff·ship, noun
  • sub·bail·iff, noun
  • un·der·bail·iff, noun

Words Nearby bailiff

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How to use bailiff in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for bailiff

bailiff

/ (ˈbeɪlɪf) /


noun
  1. British the agent or steward of a landlord or landowner

  2. a sheriff's officer who serves writs and summonses, makes arrests, and ensures that the sentences of the court are carried out

  1. mainly British (formerly) a high official having judicial powers

  2. mainly US an official having custody of prisoners appearing in court

Origin of bailiff

1
C13: from Old French baillif, from bail custody; see bail 1

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