noun
bailiwick
BAY-lee-wik/ˈbeɪliwɪk/
A district governed by a bailiff.
The old map marks the boundary of the bailiff's bailiwick.
Etymology
An official combined with a village or district originally named the territory under a bailiff’s jurisdiction. That territorial authority became a figurative sphere of responsibility, expertise, or knowledge.
More examples
- The bailiff traveled through the villages of his bailiwick.
- The river formed the eastern boundary of the bailiwick.
- The historian compared records from several neighboring bailiwicks.
Forms
bailiwick · bailiwicks
Similar words
- jurisdiction
- Emphasizes the area or scope of lawful authority.
- province
- Can mean a field of responsibility without implying a bailiff.