First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1bail
noun \ˈbāl\
Definition of BAIL
: a container used to remove water from a boat
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Origin of BAIL
Middle English baille, from Anglo-French, bucket, from Medieval Latin bajula water vessel, from feminine of Latin bajulus porter, carrier
Rhymes with BAIL
2bail
verb
Definition of BAIL
transitive verb
1
: to clear (water) from a boat by dipping and throwing over the side —usually used with out
2
: to clear water from by dipping and throwing —usually used with out
intransitive verb
: bail out 2
— bail·er noun
First Known Use of BAIL
1613
3bail
noun
Definition of BAIL
1
: the temporary release of a prisoner in exchange for security given for the due appearance of the prisoner
2
: security given for the release of a prisoner on bail
3
: one who provides bail
Origin of BAIL
Middle English, custody, bail, from Anglo-French, literally, handing over, delivery, from baillier to give, entrust, hand over, from Latin bajulare to carry a burden, from bajulus porter, carrier
First Known Use: 15th century
4bail
verb
Definition of BAIL
transitive verb
1
: to release under bail
2
: to procure the release of by giving bail —often used with out
3
: to help from a predicament —used with out <bailing out impoverished countries>
— bail·able adjective
First Known Use of BAIL
1548
5bail
noun
Definition of BAIL
1
a : a supporting half hoop b : a hinged bar for holding paper against the platen of a typewriter
2
: a usually arched handle (as of a kettle or pail)
Origin of BAIL
Middle English beil, baile, probably from Old English *begel, *bygel; akin to Middle Dutch beughel iron ring, hilt guard; akin to Old English būgan to bend — more at bow
First Known Use: 15th century
6bail
verb
Definition of BAIL
transitive verb
: to deliver (personal property) in trust to another for a special purpose and for a limited period
Origin of BAIL
Anglo-French baillier
First Known Use: 1768
7bail
noun
Definition of BAIL
chiefly British : a device for confining or separating animals
Origin of BAIL
perhaps from 5bail
First Known Use: 1844
BAIL Defined for Kids
1bail
verb \ˈbāl\
bailedbail·ing
Definition of BAIL for Kids
: to dip and throw out water (as from a boat)
— bail out
: to jump out of an airplane
2bail
noun
Definition of BAIL for Kids
: money given to free a prisoner until his or her trial
3bail
verb
bailedbailing
Definition of BAIL for Kids
: to get the release of (a prisoner) by giving money as a guarantee of the prisoner's return for trial
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