bail

I

[[t]beɪl[/t]]

n.

1) law property or money given as surety that a person released from legal custody will return at an appointed time

2) law a person who provides bail

3) law the state of release upon being bailed

4) law to grant or obtain the liberty of (a person) on security for appearance in court as required

5) law to deliver (goods) for storage, hire, or other special purpose

6) to assist in escaping a predicament (used with out)

•

- jump bail

Etymology: 1375–1425; late ME bayle < AF bail custody, charge < OF, der. of baillier to hand over < L bāiulāre to serve as porter, der. of bāiulus porter II

bail

[[t]beɪl[/t]] n.

1) the semicircular handle of a kettle or pail

2) a hooplike support, as for the cover on a Conestoga wagon

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Etymology: 1400–50; ME III

bail

[[t]beɪl[/t]] v. t.

1) to dip (water) out of a boat, as with a bucket

2) to clear of water by dipping:

to bail out a boat[/ex]

3) to bail water

4) phv bail out

a) phv to make a parachute jump from an airplane

b) phv to give up on or abandon a difficult situation

5) a bucket, dipper, or other container used for bailing

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Etymology: 1425–75; late ME bayle < MF baille a bucket < VL *bāi(u) la; akin to L bāiulus carrier. See bail I IV

bail

[[t]beɪl[/t]] n.

brit. Chiefly Brit. a bar or partition for confining or separating livestock

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Etymology: 1350–1400; ME baile < OF < L bacula sticks