n. & v.
—n.
1 money etc. required as security against the temporary release of a prisoner pending trial.
2 a person or persons giving such security.
—v.tr. (usu. foll. by out)
1 release or secure the release of (a prisoner) on payment of bail.
2 (also bale by assoc. with bale out 1: see BALE(1)) release from a difficulty; come to the rescue of.
Phrases and idioms:
forfeit (colloq. jump) bail fail to appear for trial after being released on bail. go (or stand) bail (often foll. by for) act as surety (for an accused person).
Derivatives:
bailable adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF bail custody, bailler take charge of, f. L bajulare bear a burden
2.
n. & v.
—n.
1 Cricket either of the two crosspieces bridging the stumps.
2 the bar on a typewriter holding the paper against the platen.
3 a bar separating horses in an open stable.
4 Austral. & NZ a framework for securing the head of a cow during milking.
—v. Austral. & NZ (usu. foll. by up)
1 tr. secure (a cow) during milking.
2 a tr. make (a person) hold up his or her arms to be robbed. b intr. surrender by throwing up one's arms. c tr. buttonhole (a person).
Etymology: ME f. OF bail(e), perh. f. bailler enclose
3.
v.tr. (also bale)
1 (usu. foll. by out) scoop water out of (a boat etc.).
2 scoop (water etc.) out.
Phrases and idioms:
bail out var. of bale out
1 (see BALE(1)).
Derivatives:
bailer n.
Etymology: obs. bail (n.) bucket f. F baille ult. f. L bajulus carrier
Useful english dictionary. 2012.