bailiery
|bail-i-er-y|
/ˈbeɪ.lɪ.ə.ri/
bailiff's jurisdiction
Etymology
'bailiery' originates from Anglo-Norman French, specifically the word 'bailerie', where the element 'bail'/'baill-' meant 'charge, custody, administration'.
'bailiery' changed from Old French/Anglo-Norman 'baillerie' or 'bailerie' into Middle English as 'bailiery' and eventually remained in modern English with largely the same form (though now rare/archaic).
Initially it meant 'the office or jurisdiction of a bailiff or bailie'; over time the basic meaning has remained but the word has become archaic and is now rare in everyday usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the office, jurisdiction, or district of a bailiff; the area or authority under a bailiff's control.
The bailiery covered several neighboring villages, and the bailiff collected fines there.
Synonyms
Noun 2
specifically in Scottish usage: the district or authority of a bailie (a municipal magistrate).
In medieval Scotland the local bailiery handled minor civil matters and maintained order.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/01 18:48