bailiff

/ˈbeɪlɪf/
noun
  1. An official in a court of law who keeps order, guards prisoners, and helps the judge.
    • When the witness became upset, the bailiff calmly escorted her out.
    • The bailiff told everyone to stand as the judge entered the courtroom.
    • My uncle works as a bailiff at the county courthouse.
  2. A person who takes away someone's property to pay a debt, usually by order of a court.
    • The bailiff came to the house to seize the family's car for unpaid loans.
    • If you don't pay the fine, a bailiff may be sent to collect the money.
    • The store owner was worried the bailiff would take his inventory.
  3. In some countries, a person who manages a farm or estate for the owner.
    • As bailiff, she was responsible for hiring farm workers and buying supplies.
    • The old manor had a bailiff who lived in a cottage on the property.
    • The bailiff oversaw the planting and harvesting on the large estate.
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