bail 1 /'bāl/ n [Anglo-French, act of handing over, delivery of a prisoner into someone's custody in exchange for security, from bailler to hand over, entrust, from Old French, from Latin bajulare to carry (a burden)]
1: the temporary release of a prisoner in exchange for security given for the prisoner's appearance at a later hearing
while free on bail
2: the security given for a prisoner's release; also: the amount or terms of the security
excessive bail shall not be required — U.S. Constitution amend. VIII
posted cash bail
motion to reduce bail
3: one who provides bail and is liable for the released prisoner's appearance
bail may arrest or authorize arrest of principal — Code of Alabama
jump bail: to flee the jurisdiction while released on bail
make bail: to be released on bail
bail 2 vt
1: to release on bail
2: to obtain the release of by giving bail
— often used with out
3: to place (personal property) under a bailment
identity of the article claimed to have been bail ed — Peet v. Roth Hotel Co., 253 N.W. 546 (1934)
◇ Property is usually bailed by putting it temporarily in the custody of another for a specific purpose, as safekeeping or delivery to a third party.
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.