bailey

[bey-lee] /ˈbeɪ li/
noun, plural baileys.
1.
the defensive wall surrounding an outer court of a castle.
2.
the courtyard itself.
Also, ballium.
Origin
1250-1300; Middle English, variant of bail4

Bailey

[bey-lee] /ˈbeɪ li/
noun
1.
Liberty Hyde, 1858–1954, U.S. botanist, horticulturist, and writer.
2.
Nathan or Nathaniel, died 1742, English lexicographer.
Examples from the web for bailey
  • In motte and bailey castles, the keep typically surmounted the motte.
British Dictionary definitions for bailey

bailey

/ˈbeɪlɪ/
noun
1.
the outermost wall or court of a castle
Word Origin
C13: from Old French baille enclosed court, from bailler to enclose; see bail³

Bailey

/ˈbeɪlɪ/
noun
1.
David. born 1938, English photographer
2.
Nathan or Nathaniel. died 1742, English lexicographer: compiler of An Universal Etymological English Dictionary (1721–27)
Word Origin and History for bailey
n.

"wall enclosing an outer court," early 14c. (c.1200 in Anglo-Latin), baylle, variant of bail, from Old French bail "stake, palisade, brace," of unknown origin, perhaps ultimately connected to Latin bacula "sticks," on notion of "stakes, palisade fence." Old Bailey, seat of Central Criminal Court in London, was so called because it stood within the ancient bailey of the city wall. The surname Bailey usually is from Old French bailli, a later form of baillif (see bailiff).