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bail1

Syllabification: (bail)
Pronunciation: /bāl/
Translate bail | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of bail

noun

  • the temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on condition that a sum of money be lodged to guarantee their appearance in court:he has been released on bail
  • money paid for the release an accused person as security.

verb

[with object] (usually be bailed)
  • release or secure the release of (a prisoner) on payment of bail:his son called home to get bailed out of jailSee also bail out at bail3.

Phrases

jump bail

informal fail to appear for trial after being released on bail:he jumped bail and was on the run until his arrest

go bail (or stand bail)

act as surety for an accused person.

post bail

pay a sum of money as bail:I posted bail for him

Derivatives

bailable

adjective

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French, literally 'custody, jurisdiction', from Old French bailler 'take charge of', from Latin bajulare 'bear a burden'

bail in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of bail in the British & World English dictionary

Nearby words

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