bailment

[ beyl-muhnt ]

noun

, Law.

1. the delivery of personal property returnable to the bailor after being held for some purpose.

bailment

/ ˈbeɪlmənt /

noun

1. contract law a contractual delivery of goods in trust to a person for a specific purpose
2. criminal law the act of granting bail

Word History and Origins

Origin of bailment¹

1545–55; earlier bailement < Anglo-French; Old French baillement. See bail ¹, -ment

Example Sentences

In short, the investors argued this was not really a sale, but something more like a “bailment,” or the delivery of something without a transfer of ownership.

From New York Times

HIRE-PURCHASE AGREEMENT, in the law of contract, a form of bailment of goods, on credit, which has extended very considerably of late years.

From Project Gutenberg

Pledging and letting for hire are species of bailment.

From Project Gutenberg

The whole process is merely one of bailment.

From Project Gutenberg

At the expiration of the bailment he must deliver the machine to the owner or person authorized by him to receive it, and is liable if neglecting or refusing.

From Project Gutenberg