Bailee is a term that is often used in legal language. It refers to a person or entity that has been entrusted with the property of another party. The bailee is responsible for taking care of the property and returning it to the owner in the same condition as it was when it was entrusted to them. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bailee in more detail.
Definitions
A bailee is a person or entity that has been entrusted with the property of another party. This can include anything from a physical object, such as a car or a piece of jewelry, to intangible assets, such as intellectual property or financial investments.
The bailee is responsible for taking care of the property and ensuring that it is returned to the owner in the same condition as it was when it was entrusted to them. This includes protecting the property from damage, theft, or loss.
Origin
The term bailee comes from the Old French word bailer, which means “to deliver.” The word was first used in English legal language in the 14th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a bailee is “a person or organization that holds property belonging to another, with the legal obligation to return it to the owner.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines a bailee as “a person to whom goods are entrusted for safekeeping or carriage, without transfer of ownership.”
Associations
The concept of a bailee is often associated with the legal principle of bailment. Bailment refers to the transfer of possession of property from one party to another, with the understanding that the property will be returned to the original owner.
Bailees are also often associated with the transportation and storage industries, where they are responsible for the safekeeping and delivery of goods.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for bailee include custodian, trustee, caretaker, and guardian.
Antonyms
Antonyms for bailee include owner, possessor, and holder.
The same root words
The root word of bailee is bailer, which means “to deliver.” Other words that share this root include bailiff, which refers to a court officer, and bailment, which refers to the legal transfer of possession of property.
Example Sentences
- The jewelry store entrusted the valuable diamond ring to a bailee for safekeeping.
- The shipping company acted as a bailee for the expensive machinery during transit.
- The artist hired a bailee to transport her artwork to the gallery for the exhibition.
- The bank acted as a bailee for the customer’s financial investments.
- The hotel acted as a bailee for the guest’s luggage during their stay.