bail¹noun
1the temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on condition that a sum of money is lodged to guarantee their appearance in court.
2money paid by or for such a person as security.
verbrelease or secure the release of (an accused person) on payment of bail.
Phrases
go(orstand)bailact as surety for an accused person.
jump bailinformalfail to appear for trial after being released on bail.
Derivatives
bailableadjective
Origin
ME: from OFr., lit. 'custody, jurisdiction', frombailler'take charge of', from L.bajulare'bear a burden'.bail²noun
1(usu.bails)Cricketeither of the two crosspieces bridging the stumps.
2a bar on a typewriter or computer printer which holds the paper steady.
3a bar separating horses in an open stable.
4Austral./NZa movable framework for securing the head of a cow during milking.
verb(oftenbail someone/thing up)Austral./NZ
1confront (someone) with intent to rob.
detain in conversation.
2secure (a cow) during milking.
Origin
ME (denoting a bailey): from OFr.baile'palisade, enclosure',baillier'enclose'.bail³(Brit.alsobale)
verb
1scoop water out of (a ship or boat).
2(bail out) make an emergency parachute descent from an aircraft.
3(bail someone/thing out) rescue someone or something from a difficulty.
Derivatives
bailernoun
Origin
C17: from obs.bail'bucket', from Fr.baille, based on L.bajulus'carrier'.
Thesaurusbailnounhe was released on bail: SURETY, security, assurance, indemnity, indemnification; bond, guarantee, pledge;archaicgage.
Phrases
bail outthe pilot bailed out: EJECT, parachute to safety.
bail someone/something outRESCUE, save, relieve; finance, help (out), assist, aid;informalsave someone's bacon/neck/skin.