A bailiff is a law officer who makes sure that the decisions of a court are obeyed. Bailiffs can take a person's furniture or possessions away if the person owes money.
[British]
2. countable noun
A bailiff is an official in a court of law who deals with tasks such as keeping control in court.
[US]
3. countable noun
A bailiff is a person who is employed to look after land or property for the owner.
[British]
bailiff in British English
(ˈbeɪlɪf)
noun
1. British
the agent or steward of a landlord or landowner
2.
a sheriff's officer who serves writs and summonses, makes arrests, and ensures that the sentences of the court are carried out
3. mainly British
(formerly) a high official having judicial powers
4. mainly US
an official having custody of prisoners appearing in court
Word origin
C13: from Old French baillif, from bail custody; see bail1
bailiff in American English
(ˈbeɪlɪf)
noun
1.
a deputy sheriff who serves processes, etc.
2.
a court officer who guards the jurors, maintains order in the courtroom, etc.
3.
in England, an administrative official of a district, with power to collect taxes, serve as a magistrate, etc.
4. Chiefly British
an overseer or steward of an estate
Word origin
ME bailif < OFr bailif < baillier, to govern, keep in custody: see bail1
Examples of 'bailiff' in a sentence
bailiff
Court bailiffs are doing a job like anybody else and are generally extremely helpful.
Tondeur, Keith Say Goodbye to Debt (1994)
Last night he was homeless after officials sent bailiffs to the sheltered accommodation.
The Sun (2008)
The bailiff can arrive at any time to try and seize goods.
Tondeur, Keith Say Goodbye to Debt (1994)
We had a lot of debts and the bailiffs would come round frequently.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
The bailiffs would come round at the drop of a hat.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Especially when you discover all your furniture has been taken and the bailiffs are about to evict you.
The Sun (2012)
Before the final eviction takes place the bailiffs will probably visit to tell you when they plan to act.
Tondeur, Keith Say Goodbye to Debt (1994)
You will need a court judgment or an ombudsman award before you can send in bailiffs to collect your compensation.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
There are huge costs for us, with bailiff fees and court costs.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It's time to send out the bailiffs.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Of course they'll find out when the bailiffs arrive.
The Sun (2015)
Letters often warn of bailiff action, court hearings and a dire effect on credit status.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
He may have lost his company car; the bailiffs may have taken his lawn mower.
Tondeur, Keith Say Goodbye to Debt (1994)
It must also send a notice of eviction 14 days before the bailiff arrives.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
By the time the couple arrived with court bailiffs, the tenants had left.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Court bailiffs and driving examiners also staged a one-day strike against government plans to trim their high fixed fees.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Those businesses who cannot meet their rents will be at the mercy of their landlords who may send in the bailiffs to seize their stock.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Telephone advice can help with more complex problems, including people who may have received a notice from a court or bailiff.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Can I send in the bailiffs if the bank refuses to pay up?
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
I suspect your ex-husband might just find his cheque book before the bailiffs come knocking.
The Sun (2015)
Cops had to return 1,900 taken by bailiffs from his Cheshire pad.