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 part-time court bailiff, who enjoys the life balance of both professions, was the fourth official for the opening game of the tournament between Germany and Scotland. —Caoimhe O'Neill, The Athletic, 13 July 2024

Part-time bailiff and history maker Have the English changed their reputation? —New York Times, 14 July 2024

That includes watching candidates arguing cases in court and talking with other lawyers, along with bailiffs, court reporters and clerks. —Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2024

The letter, obtained by the Journal Sentinel, is the latest development in a dispute over the sheriff’s office staffing of court bailiffs. —David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 18 Sep. 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