noun / verb
bail
BAYL/beɪl/
Money or security provided to obtain release from custody.
The clerk accepts bail as the released person rejoins the waiting family.
Etymology
From bearing a burden, the word came to mean charge or guardianship. The money sense apparently arose through temporary release into another's custody, secured by a pledge for a future court appearance.
In context
he was free on 250 thousand dollars bail after being charged last month with money laundering forgery and trafficking meth
More examples
- Her family arranged to bail her out.
- He was released on bail while awaiting trial.
- The judge reviewed the conditions attached to bail.
Forms
bail · bails · bailed · bailing