bailiff

bailiff Definition

bail·iff (bā′lif)

noun

a deputy sheriff who serves processes, etc.
a court officer who guards the jurors, maintains order in the courtroom, etc.
in England, an administrative official of a district, with power to collect taxes, serve as a magistrate, etc.
Chiefly Brit. an overseer or steward of an estate

Etymology: ME bailif < OFr bailif < baillier, to govern, keep in custody: see bail

bailiff Law Definition

A court officer charged with maintaining order in the courtroom, with taking care of the judges and jurys needs, and, in criminal proceedings, with the custody of the defendant.
A sheriffs deputy or other officer who executes writs and serves processes and warrants of arrest.
One who oversees the administration of land, goods, and other property, including the collection of rent, for the owner.

bailiff Usage Examples

Converse of object

instruct: We can: Instruct bailiffs to act on our behalf to include the Council's bailiff.
appoint: Alternatively they may appoint bailiffs to claim possession of goods which can be sold to pay off the debt.
elect: In 1686 he was elected a Justice of the Peace; later he was elected bailiff.
certificate: You can complain to the County Court about a certificated bailiff.
employ: A bailiff employed by the courts will usually levy distress.
send: I'll send the bailiffs down to retrieve the case files.

Adjective modifier

Modifies a noun

madagans: Gambling in a risk attached to trust for options the bailiffs madagans.
B: The operator informs bailiff B that a unit has been despatched.
action: Bailiff action Once your account has been issued to the bailiff, you should make any payments directly to them.
law: The Cambridge Center for Public Law issued a Consultation Paper inviting views on the possible rationalization of bailiff law.
cannot: Bailiff cannot take items on hire purchase or rented.

Noun used with modifier

jury: If you would like to go with your jury bailiffs once more and return to your jury room.
farm: Walter Cook, the farm bailiff said deceased was perfectly sober.
county: The county court bailiff will serve an order to attend the hearing.
court: The county court bailiff will serve an order to attend the hearing.
water: Tickets must be produced to the water bailiff or Club members on demand.
club: Along with the agency they have developed an evening for club bailiffs to be held at the Halfway in on 29 th April.

Possessives

warrant: She breached the order and her landlord applied for the bailiff's warrant.

Preposition: of

town: Dagville was appointed as bailiff of the town in 1427, and is described as such in April 1428 when his house was robbed.

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