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bailey

The definition of bailey is a protective wall surrounding a castle, or the outdoor space created by the castle's protective walls.

(noun)

In a movie where people are fighting from the top of a castle wall trying to keep out the approaching enemy, the outermost wall is an example of a bailey.
An example of a bailey is a courtyard inside the protection of the castle walls where the ladies of the community gather daily to converse.

See bailey in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. baileys

the outer wall or court of a medieval castle

Origin: ME baili, var. of baile, bail

Bailey, Nathan(iel) died 1742; Eng. lexicographer

See bailey in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. bai·leys

The outer wall of a castle.
The space enclosed by this outer wall.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English bailli

Origin: , from Old French baille

Origin: , probably from Latin bacula

Origin: , pl. of baculum, log, stick; see bacillus

British lexicographer whose Universal Etymological English Dictionary, first published in 1721, was used as a reference by Samuel Johnson and was the first English dictionary to treat etymology consistently.

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