Bailing is a term that is commonly used in legal and financial contexts. It refers to the act of providing financial assistance to someone who is facing legal charges or financial difficulties. In this article, we will explore the meaning and origin of bailing, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Bailing can be defined as the act of providing financial assistance to someone who is facing legal charges or financial difficulties. This assistance can take the form of cash or property that is used as collateral to secure a loan or bond.
In legal contexts, bailing refers to the act of posting bail, which is a sum of money that is paid to secure the release of a defendant from jail while they await trial. The bail amount is typically set by a judge and is based on the severity of the charges and the defendant’s criminal history.
Origin
The origin of the term bailing can be traced back to the Old French word “baillier,” which means to deliver or hand over. The word was later adopted into Middle English as “baylen,” which had a similar meaning.
Over time, the term evolved to refer specifically to the act of providing financial assistance, particularly in legal contexts.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bailing refers to the act of providing bail or to secure a release from jail. The Oxford English Dictionary defines bailing as the act of providing financial assistance to someone who is facing legal charges or financial difficulties.
Associations
Bailing is often associated with the criminal justice system and legal proceedings. It is also associated with financial institutions and the process of securing loans or bonds.
Synonyms
Synonyms for bailing include bonding, posting bail, securing release, and providing financial assistance.
Antonyms
Antonyms for bailing include abandoning, neglecting, and refusing to provide assistance.
The same root words
The same root words as bailing include bail, bailiff, and bailiwick.
Example Sentences
- The defendant’s family posted bail to secure his release from jail.
- The bank required the borrower to provide collateral before they would approve the loan.
- The bailiff was responsible for maintaining order in the courtroom.
- The defendant’s lawyer argued that the bail amount was excessive.
- The bailiwick of the sheriff included several small towns in the county.