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

White has rejected requests for the footage, saying the bailiff is not a Detroit police officer. —Violet Ikonomova, Detroit Free Press, 3 Sep. 2024

Amid Revival of Clown-Themed Scary Movies Up next, Swindells takes on the role of legendary 14th-century bailiff Albrecht Gessler, whose brutal rule led to the rebellion and eventual independence of the Old Swiss Confederacy (modern-day Switzerland). —Lily Ford, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024

His parents were in court, but he was led out by bailiffs after the proceeding ended without speaking to them. —Todd Richmond, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024

One of the officers tried to explain to Butler that he was being evicted by the bailiff. —Nushrat Rahman, Detroit Free Press, 3 Dec. 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