noun
bailey
BAY-lee/ˈbeɪli/
A courtyard enclosed by a castle's defensive walls.
The castle's stone walls surround a broad, open bailey.
Etymology
Old French bail meant a stake or palisade. The name shifted from a castle's enclosing wall to the courtyard inside; its deeper origin is unknown.
In context
It was nightfall when the little army entered the outer gate of the Castle of Ploermel and encamped in the broad Bailey yard.
More examples
- Visitors cross the bailey to reach the castle's main tower.
- The castle has two baileys separated by a defensive wall.
- Guards gather in the outer bailey before opening the gate.
Forms
bailey · baileys
Similar words
- courtyard
- An enclosed outdoor area, not necessarily inside a castle.
- ward
- A fortified castle enclosure that may include buildings.