bail

Meanings

Plural: bails

Noun

(criminal law) money that must be forfeited by the bondsman if an accused person fails to appear in court for trial
- "the judge set bail at $10,000"
the legal system that allows an accused person to be temporarily released from custody (usually on condition that a sum of money guarantees their appearance at trial)
- "he is out on bail"
Security, usually a sum of money, exchanged for the release of an arrested person as a guarantee of that person's appearance for trial.
Release from imprisonment on payment of such money.
The person providing such payment.
A bucket or scoop used for removing water from a boat etc.
A person who bails water out of a boat.
Custody; keeping.
A hoop, ring or handle (especially of a kettle or bucket).
A stall for a cow (or other animal) (usually tethered with a semi-circular hoop).
A hinged bar as a restraint for animals, or on a typewriter.
A frame to restrain a cow during milking or feeding.
A hoop, ring, or other object used to connect a pendant to a necklace.
One of the two wooden crosspieces that rest on top of the stumps to form a wicket.
Normally curved handle suspended between sockets as a drawer pull. This may also be on a kettle or pail.

Verb

release after a security has been paid
deliver something in trust to somebody for a special purpose and for a limited period
secure the release of (someone) by providing security
empty (a vessel) by bailing
remove (water) from a vessel with a container
To secure the release of an arrested person by providing bail.
To release a person under such guarantee.
To hand over personal property to be held temporarily by another as a bailment.
To remove (water) from a boat by scooping it out.
To remove water from (a boat) by scooping it out.
To set free; to deliver; to release.
To leave or exit abruptly.
To fail to meet a commitment (to a person).
To secure the head of a cow during milking.
To confine.
To secure (a cow) by placing its head in a bail for milking.
To keep (a traveller) detained in order to rob them; to corner (a wild animal); loosely, to detain, hold up.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English baille, from the Old French verb bailler (“to deliver or hand over”) and noun bail (“lease”), from Latin bāiulāre (“carry or bear”), from baiulus (“porter; steward”) (English: bailiff).

Synonyms

bail bond, bond

Scrabble Score: 6

bail is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
bail is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
bail is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 8

bail is a valid Words With Friends word