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Definition of bailey

bailey

/ˈbeɪ.li/
bai · ley
Plural:baileys
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bailey Lexical Profile

bailey Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The enclosed courtyard or ward situated between the outer defensive wall and the central keep of a castle.

Example

"Stables, blacksmith workshops, and storage barns were historically arranged inside the spacious lower bailey."

2

The outer wall of a medieval castle, or any of several defensive walls surrounding the keep.

Example

"The restoration crew carefully repaired the crumbling stone along the southern section of the castle's outer bailey."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for bailey

• Rhymes for bailey

• Nearby Words

bail
bail bond
bailer
bailey
bailiff
bailout
baird rat snake

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English bayly, borrowed from Old French baillie ('enclosure' or 'jurisdiction of a bailiff'), ultimately derived from Late Latin bajulia.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Bailey. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/bailey
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