bail meaning and definition

BAIL noun

Definition of bail (noun)

1. (criminal law) money that must be forfeited by the bondsman if an accused person fails to appear in court for trial
   • "the judge set bail at $10,000"; "a $10,000 bond was furnished by an alderman"
   • synonyms: bail bond, bond
2. the legal system that allows an accused person to be temporarily released from custody (usually on condition that a sum of money guarantees their appearance at trial)
   • "he is out on bail"

BAIL verb

Definition of bail (verb)

1. release after a security has been paid
2. deliver something in trust to somebody for a special purpose and for a limited period
3. secure the release of (someone) by providing security
4. empty (a vessel) by bailing
5. remove (water) from a vessel with a container