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.
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.