bail
bail Lexical Profile
bail Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on the condition that a sum of money is lodged to guarantee their appearance in court, or the money itself.
"The judge set bail at fifty thousand dollars pending the preliminary hearing."
Either of the two small wooden crosspieces that rest on top of the three stumps to form a wicket in the sport of cricket.
"The fast bowler's delivery clipped the off stump and sent the bail flying."
An arched or semicircular handle of a kettle, bucket, or pail, or a hinged bar used to hold paper against the platen of a typewriter.
"He lifted the heavy iron pot off the fire using a wooden hook under its wire bail."
• verb
To secure the temporary release of an accused prisoner by providing financial security for their future appearance in court.
"His family pooled their savings to bail him out of custody before the weekend."
To leave a place abruptly or abandon a commitment, obligation, or activity (informal).
"The concert was getting too loud, so we decided to bail early and grab dinner instead."
To scoop and throw water out of a boat using a bucket or other container.
"After the wave crashed over the bow, we had to bail frantically to keep the skiff afloat."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'bail' with its homophone 'bale', which refers to a tightly bound bundle of hay, cotton, or paper.
• Rhymes for bail
Word Origin & Etymology
The word 'bail' represents a convergence of three distinct historical roots: the legal sense derives from Old French 'baillier' (to take charge of or deliver), ultimately from Latin 'bajulare' (to bear a burden); the nautical sense of scooping water comes from Old French 'baille' (bucket), from Late Latin 'bajulana'; and the cricket sense derives from Old French 'bail' (crossbar or stake).