noun

1. money, a bond, etc. deposited with the court to obtain the temporary release of an arrested person on the assurance that the person will obey the court's orders, as by appearing for trial
2. the release thus brought about
3. the person or persons giving bail

Etymology: ME & OFr, power, control, custody < OFr baillier, to keep in custody, deliver < L bajulare, to bear a burden < bajulus, porter, carrier

transitive verb

1. to deliver (goods) in trust for a special purpose
2. to set (an arrested person) free on bail or have (an arrested person) set free by giving bail: often with out
3. to help out of financial or other difficulty: often with out