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bail2

Pronunciation: /beɪl/

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Definition of bail

noun

1 (usually bails) Cricket either of the two crosspieces bridging the stumps, which the bowler and fielders try to dislodge with the ball to get the batsman out: the Lancashire captain was at full stretch as the wicketkeeper took off the bails

2a bar which holds something in place, in particular:
a bar on a typewriter or computer printer which holds the paper steady.
Climbing a bar on a crampon which fits into a groove in the sole of a boot.
a bar separating horses in an open stable.
Australian/NZ a movable framework for securing the head of a cow during milking.

verb

[with object] Australian/NZ

1 (usually bail up) confront (someone) with the intention of robbing them:they bailed up Mr Dyason and demanded his money
detain (someone) in conversation, especially against their will: students will bail up Canberrans on Friday for donations for the Royal Blind Society

2secure (a cow) during milking.

Origin:

Middle English (denoting the outer wall of a castle): from Old French baile 'palisade, enclosure', baillier 'enclose', perhaps from Latin baculum 'rod, stick'

bail in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of bail in the US English dictionary

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