Bailiffship is a term that is often used in legal circles, but many people outside of the legal profession may not be familiar with it. It is a term that refers to the role of a bailiff, who is responsible for maintaining order in a courtroom and ensuring that the proceedings run smoothly. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bailiffship, its origins, and its associations.
Definitions
Bailiffship is defined as the position or role of a bailiff. A bailiff is an officer of the court who is responsible for maintaining order in the courtroom, ensuring that witnesses are present when required, and executing court orders such as the seizure of property.
Origin
The term bailiffship is derived from the Old French word “baillif,” which means “administrator” or “steward.” The word was first used in English in the 13th century to refer to a person who was appointed to oversee a particular area or estate.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, bailiffship is “the office or function of a bailiff.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “the position or office of a bailiff.” The Collins English Dictionary defines it as “the office or function of a bailiff, esp. in a court of law.”
Associations
Bailiffship is often associated with the legal profession and the court system. Bailiffs are responsible for maintaining order in the courtroom, ensuring that witnesses are present when required, and executing court orders. They may also be responsible for serving legal documents and enforcing court judgments.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for bailiffship include bailiwick, stewardship, administration, and guardianship.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for bailiffship, but some related terms might include disorder, chaos, or mismanagement.
The same root words
The root word of bailiffship is “bailiff,” which comes from the Old French word “baillif.” Other words that share this root include bailiwick, which refers to a particular area of responsibility or authority, and bailment, which refers to the transfer of property from one person to another for safekeeping.
Example Sentences
- The bailiffship of the court was entrusted to a seasoned professional with years of experience.
- The bailiffship is an important role in the court system, ensuring that proceedings run smoothly and efficiently.
- The bailiff was responsible for seizing the defendant’s property in accordance with the court’s judgment.
- The bailiff’s authority extended beyond the courtroom, as he was also responsible for serving legal documents and enforcing judgments.
- The bailiffship requires a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to upholding the law.