bailey

¹

[ bey-lee ]

noun

, plural bai·leys.

1. the defensive wall surrounding an outer court of a castle.
2. the courtyard itself.

Bailey

²

[ bey-lee ]

noun

1. Liberty Hyde, 1858–1954, U.S. botanist, horticulturist, and writer.
2. Nathan or Nathaniel, died 1742, English lexicographer.

bailey

¹

/ ˈbeɪlɪ /

noun

1. the outermost wall or court of a castle

Bailey

²

/ ˈbeɪlɪ /

noun

1. BaileyDavid1938MEnglishARTS AND CRAFTS: photographer David . born 1938, English photographer
2. BaileyNathanorNathaniel1742MEnglishLANGUAGE: lexicographer Nathan or Nathaniel . died 1742, English lexicographer: compiler of An Universal Etymological English Dictionary (1721–27)

Word History and Origins

Origin of bailey¹

1250–1300; Middle English, variant of bail ⁴

Word History and Origins

Origin of bailey¹

C13: from Old French baille enclosed court, from bailler to enclose; see bail ³

Example Sentences

When Robin crossed the outer bailey, going from the workshop along the wall to the inner castle gate, he could see only a few steps ahead.

From Literature

If the barbican fell, the castle still had two courtyards, or baileys, from which last gasp fighting could be carried out.

From Salon

Headed toward DC on route 50 and was just after the baileys crossroads interchange when I saw a brilliant, bright green streak across the sky and sputter our just over the horizon.

From Washington Post

The children marveled at the great, wide bailey, where horses were being led to stables.

From Literature

They went together unanimously though shyly, without explanations, and found themselves standing at the end of Hob’s bailey strip after Mass. The Wart had no need to use ingenuity.

From Literature