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’.