bumbailiff

noun

bum·​bai·​liff
¦bəm¦bālə̇f
plural -s
British
: bailiff
usually used contemptuously
a confounded, pettifogging bumbailiffW. M. Thackeray

Word History

Etymology

bum entry 1 + bailiff; from his close pursuit of debtors

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near bumbailiff

Cite this Entry

“Bumbailiff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bumbailiff. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!