1. (law) 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)
   "he is out on bail"
    
2. (criminal law) money that must be forfeited by the bondsman if an accused person fails to appear in court for trial
   "the judge set bail at $10,000";
   - bail bond, bond
    
3. A bucket or scoop used for removing water, e.g. from a boat
   "He used the bail to quickly remove water from the leaking dinghy";
   - bale [Brit]
    
4. (cricket) one of the two wooden crosspieces that rest on top of the stumps to form a wicket
   "The bowler's delivery knocked the bail off the stumps"
    
5. The person providing a payment to be temporarily released from custody
   "His brother acted as bail and posted the required amount"

1. Secure the release of (someone) by providing security
   "His family bailed him out of jail after his arrest"
    
2. Release from custody by paying a security deposit
   "The lawyer bailed his client out of jail"
    
3. Deliver something in trust to somebody for a special purpose and for a limited period
   "The court bailed the defendant into the custody of his lawyer"
    
4. Empty (a vessel) by bailing
   "They bailed the rowing boat after the rainstorm"
    
5. Remove (water) from a vessel with a container
   "The crew bailed water from the leaking boat all night"

Sounds like: bale

Derived forms: bailed, bails, bailing

Type of: deliver, empty, free, guarantee, hand over, legal system, liberate, loose, recognisance [Brit, Cdn], recognizance, release, remove, render, take, take away, turn in, unloose, unloosen, vouch, withdraw

Encyclopedia: Bail, Paul