[beɪl], (Noun)

Definitions:
- 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
(e.g: he has been released on bail)


Phrases:
- jump bail
- post bail
- stand bail

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

[beɪl], (Verb)

Definitions:
- release or secure the release of (a prisoner) on payment of bail
(e.g: nine were bailed on drugs charges)


Phrases:
- jump bail
- post bail
- stand bail

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

[beɪl], (Noun)

Definitions:
- either of the two crosspieces bridging the stumps, which the bowler and fielders try to dislodge with the ball to get the batter out
(e.g: the Lancashire captain was at full stretch as the wicketkeeper took off the bails)

- a bar on a typewriter or computer printer which holds the paper steady

- a fastening that secures a crampon to the sole of a boot

- a bar or pole separating horses in an open stable


Phrases:

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

[beɪl], (Verb)

Definitions:
- confront (someone) with the intention of robbing them
(e.g: they bailed up Mr Dyason and demanded his money)

- secure (a cow) during milking


Phrases:

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

[beɪl], (Verb)

Definitions:
- scoop water out of a boat or ship
(e.g: when we started bailing, the boat was filled with water)

- abandon a commitment, obligation, or activity
(e.g: after 12 years of this, including Sunday Mass with the family, I bailed)


Phrases:

Origin:
early 17th century: from obsolete bail ‘bucket’, from French baille, based on Latin bajulus ‘carrier’