bail1
n.
- the temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on condition that a sum of money is lodged to guarantee their appearance in court.
- money paid by or for such a person as security.
v.
release or secure the release of (an accused person) on payment of bail.
Phrase
- go
(or stand)
bail
act as surety for an accused person. - jump bail
informal fail to appear for trial after being released on bail.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from OFr., lit. ‘custody, jurisdiction’, from bailler ‘take charge of’, from L. bajulare ‘bear a burden’.
bail2
n.
-
(usu. bails)
Cricket either of the two crosspieces bridging the stumps.
- a bar on a typewriter or computer printer which holds the paper steady.
- a bar separating horses in an open stable.
- Austral./NZ a movable framework for securing the head of a cow during milking.
v.
(
often bail someone/thing up)
Austral./NZ - confront (someone) with intent to rob.
▸detain in conversation.
- secure (a cow) during milking.
Etymology
ME (denoting a bailey): from OFr. baile ‘palisade, enclosure’, baillier ‘enclose’.
bail3
v.
- scoop water out of (a ship or boat).
-
(bail out)
make an emergency parachute descent from an aircraft.
-
(bail someone/thing out)
rescue someone or something from a difficulty.
Derivative
Etymology
C17: from obs. bail ‘bucket’, from Fr. baille, based on L. bajulus ‘carrier’.