Bailiwick is a word that is not commonly used in everyday language but has a unique definition and meaning. It is a term that is often used in legal contexts or in discussions about authority and jurisdiction. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of bailiwick in detail.
Definitions
Bailiwick is defined as a person’s area of knowledge, interest, or expertise. It can also refer to a specific geographical area or jurisdiction where someone has authority. In legal terms, it refers to the area of a sheriff’s jurisdiction.
Origin
The word bailiwick has its roots in the Old French word “baillif,” which means “bailiff.” A bailiff was a person who was appointed by a lord to manage a specific area or jurisdiction. Over time, the word evolved to refer to the area of jurisdiction itself, and the term bailiwick was born.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, bailiwick means “a person’s area of knowledge or authority.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a person’s specific area of interest, skill, or authority.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “the area in which a bailiff has jurisdiction.”
Associations
Bailiwick is often associated with legal or governmental authority. It is also associated with a person’s expertise or area of interest. For example, a historian might refer to the history of a particular region as their bailiwick.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for bailiwick include domain, province, territory, area of expertise, and jurisdiction.
Antonyms
Antonyms for bailiwick include unfamiliar territory, outside of one’s expertise, and outside of one’s jurisdiction.
The same root words
Words with the same root as bailiwick include bailiff, bailment, and bail.
Example Sentences
- As a lawyer, my bailiwick is contract law.
- The sheriff’s bailiwick includes several towns in the county.
- The historian’s bailiwick is the history of the American Revolution.
- The chef’s bailiwick is French cuisine.
In conclusion, bailiwick is a word that has a unique definition and meaning. It is often used in legal or governmental contexts, but it can also refer to a person’s area of expertise or interest. Understanding the meaning of bailiwick can help us better understand the authority and jurisdiction of individuals and organizations.