Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Bailiff
Bail′iff
(bāl′ĭf)
, Noun.
1.
Originally, a person put in charge of something; especially, a chief officer, magistrate, or keeper, as of a county, town, hundred, or castle; one to whom powers of custody or care are intrusted.
Abbott.
Lausanne is under the canton of Berne, governed by a
bailiff
sent every three years from the senate. Addison.
2.
(Eng. Law)
A sheriff’s deputy, appointed to make arrests, collect fines, summon juries, etc.
☞ In American law the term bailiff is seldom used except sometimes to signify a sheriff's officer or constable, or a party liable to account to another for the rent and profits of real estate.
Burrill.
3.
An overseer or under steward of an estate, who directs husbandry operations, collects rents, etc.
[Eng.]