A bailiff is a legal officer who is responsible for maintaining law and order in a court of law. They are also responsible for serving legal documents, enforcing court orders, and ensuring the safety of the court. Bailiffs play a crucial role in the justice system and are often the first point of contact for people who come to court.
Definitions
The term bailiff has several definitions. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a bailiff is “an officer of the court who is responsible for maintaining order and executing judgments.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a bailiff as “an officer of the court who performs various duties, including keeping order in the courtroom, guarding prisoners, and serving legal papers.”
Origin
The word bailiff comes from the Old French word “baillif,” which means “administrator” or “manager.” The term was first used in England in the 13th century to refer to a royal official who was responsible for collecting taxes and maintaining law and order in the king’s name.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of bailiff is consistent across different dictionaries. It refers to a legal officer who is responsible for maintaining order in the court, serving legal documents, and enforcing court orders.
Associations
Bailiffs are associated with the court system and the justice system. They are often seen as authority figures who are responsible for maintaining order and ensuring that court proceedings run smoothly.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for bailiff include marshal, constable, sheriff, and officer.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for bailiff, but some words that could be considered opposites include defendant, plaintiff, and witness.
The same root words
Words that share the same root as bailiff include bail, which refers to the temporary release of a defendant from custody, and bailiwick, which refers to the area of jurisdiction of a bailiff.
Example Sentences
- The bailiff escorted the defendant out of the courtroom.
- The judge asked the bailiff to swear in the witness.
- The bailiff served the legal documents to the defendant.
- The bailiff was responsible for maintaining order in the courtroom during the trial.
- The bailiff informed the defendant that their bail had been revoked.