bail

Definition

• n. (criminal law) money that must be forfeited by the bondsman if an accused person fails to appear in court for trial
• n. the legal system that allows an accused person to be temporarily released from custody (usually on condition that a sum of money guarantees their appearance at trial)
• v. release after a security has been paid
• v. deliver something in trust to somebody for a special purpose and for a limited period

Word forms

Past participle

bailed

Present participle

bailing

Past tense

bailed

Third person singular

bails

Example sentences

1. n.

   The judge set the bail amount at $10,000 for his release.

2. vt.

   She had to bail out the boat because it was filling with water.