Bail"iff (?), n. [OF. baillif, F. bailli, custodia magistrate, fr. L. bajulus porter. See Bail to deliver.]
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 power 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.]
© Webster 1913.