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bail1

Pronunciation: /beɪl/

Translate bail | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of bail

noun

[mass noun]
  • the temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, sometimes on condition that a sum of money is lodged to guarantee their appearance in court:he has been released on bail
  • money paid by or for someone in order to secure their release on bail: they feared the financier would be tempted to forfeit the £10 million bail and flee

verb

[with object]
  • release or secure the release of (a prisoner) on payment of bail:nine were bailed on drugs charges [with object and infinitive]:he was bailed to appear at Durham Crown Court

Phrases

go bail (or stand bail)

act as surety for an accused person: offering to stand bail for a guy who had been involved in a vicious attack

jump bail

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

post bail

pay a sum of money as bail: if a defendant can post bail and presents no threat, he should be allowed to await trial at home

Derivatives

bailable

adjective

Origin:

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

bail in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of bail in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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