bailiwicks - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

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bailiwicks

|beɪ-lɪ-wɪk|

/ˈbeɪlɪwɪk/

(bailiwick)

area of authority or expertise

Base Form
bailiwick

Etymology

Etymology Information

'bailiwick' originates from Middle English/Anglo-Norman, specifically from Medieval Latin/Old French elements: Old French 'bailli' (from Latin 'bajulus' via Medieval Latin 'baiulivus') meaning 'bailiff' and Old English 'wīc' meaning 'dwelling, place'.

Historical Evolution

'bailiwick' changed from Middle English combining 'baili-' (from Anglo-Norman/Old French 'bailli' for 'bailiff') + '-wick' (from Old English 'wīc' meaning 'dwelling, place') and eventually became the modern English word 'bailiwick'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'the district under a bailiff's jurisdiction'; over time it broadened to include the figurative sense 'a person's area of expertise or responsibility'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a district or area of jurisdiction under a bailiff or similar official; an official sphere of authority.

The county's bailiwicks include both civil and criminal cases.

Synonyms

jurisdiction district provincearea of authority

Antonyms

outside jurisdictionnonjurisdiction

Noun 2

a person's particular area of expertise, responsibility, or interest (used figuratively).

Policy and budgeting fall into different bailiwicks among the committee members.

Synonyms