bailie

[ bey-lee ]

noun

1. (in Scotland) a municipal officer or magistrate, corresponding to an English alderman.
2. Obsolete. bailiff.

bailie

/ ˈbeɪlɪ /

noun

1. (in Scotland) a municipal magistrate
2. See bailiff
   an obsolete or dialect spelling of bailiff

Other Words From

• sub·bailie noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bailie¹

1250–1300; Middle English baillie < Old French bailli, variant of baillif bailiff

Word History and Origins

Origin of bailie¹

C13: from Old French bailli , from earlier baillif bailiff

Example Sentences

The Bailie and those of the garrison, some three or four hundred, guard the gates, and forbid their being opened.

From Project Gutenberg

Haud off there, varlet, ken ye not that I am a Bailie of Dumfries?

From Project Gutenberg

"Siller in hand is the greatest virtue of a buyer," said the Bailie, with unction.

From Project Gutenberg

The Bailie of Dumfries lifted up his hands in consternation.

From Project Gutenberg

"Wear a thick doublet, good Henry, or do not speak so loud," reiterated the bailie in the same significant tone.

From Project Gutenberg