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Bailiff - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A bailiff is a court officer responsible for maintaining order in the courtroom, serving legal documents, and enforcing court orders such as evictions or property seizures.

bailiff

/ˈbeɪlɪf/ /ˈbeɪlɪf/

Definition:

A court officer responsible for maintaining order and executing legal processes like evictions or debt collection.

Synonyms:

sheriff, marshal, constable, officer

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

defendant, debtor

Common Collocations:

court bailiff, county bailiff, high court bailiff

Derivatives:

bailiwick, bailiffship

Usage Tips:

Use "bailiff" to refer to a legal officer enforcing court orders, not a general law enforcement agent.

Common Phrases:

bailiff of the manor, tipstaff and bailiff

Etymology:

From Old French "baillif," derived from Latin "bajulivus," meaning "official in charge."

Examples:

  • 1. The bailiff announced the judge's arrival.
  • 2. The landlord called the bailiff to handle the eviction.
  • 3. A bailiff serves legal documents to defendants.
  • 4. The bailiff ensured silence in the courtroom.

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