Definition Definition

bail - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'bail' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Bail [ n.]
- A bucket or scoop used in bailing water out of a boat.
- Custody; keeping.
- The person or persons who procure the release of a prisoner from the custody of the officer, or from imprisonment, by becoming surely for his appearance in court.
- The security given for the appearance of a prisoner in order to obtain his release from custody of the officer; as, the man is out on bail; to go bail for any one.
- The arched handle of a kettle, pail, or similar vessel, usually movable.
- A half hoop for supporting the cover of a carrier's wagon, awning of a boat, etc.
- A line of palisades serving as an exterior defense.
- The outer wall of a feudal castle. Hence: The space inclosed by it; the outer court.
- A certain limit within a forest.
- A division for the stalls of an open stable.
- The top or cross piece ( or either of the two cross pieces) of the wicket.
2 . Bail [ v. t.]
- To lade; to dip and throw; -- usually with out; as, to bail water out of a boat.
- To dip or lade water from; -- often with out to express completeness; as, to bail a boat.
3 . Bail [ v./t.]
- To deliver; to release.
- To set free, or deliver from arrest, or out of custody, on the undertaking of some other person or persons that he or they will be responsible for the appearance, at a certain day and place, of the person bailed.
- To deliver, as goods in trust, for some special object or purpose, upon a contract, expressed or implied, that the trust shall be faithfully executed on the part of the bailee, or person intrusted; as, to bail cloth to a tailor to be made into a garment; to bail goods to a carrier.

Meaning of 'bail' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . bail [ n]
Meaning (1):
- (criminal law) money that must be forfeited by the bondsman if an accused person fails to appear in court for trial
Example in sentence:
  • a $10,000 bond was furnished by an alderman;
  • the judge set bail at $10,000
Meaning (2):
- the legal system that allows an accused person to be temporarily released from custody (usually on condition that a sum of money guarantees their appearance at trial)
Example in sentence:
  • he is out on bail