bailed; bailing; bails
1
: to clear (water) from a boat by dipping and throwing over the side
—usually used with out
bailing water out of the boat
2
: to clear water from by dipping and throwing
—usually used with out
had to start bailing out the rowboat
: bail out sense 2
You can't say he has ever bailed when things got tough, because that's just not true.—Richard Hoffer
Before the party moved elsewhere, I bailed, exhausted.—Steve Hirdt
1
law
: the temporary release of a prisoner in exchange for security (see security sense 2a) given for the prisoner's appearance at a later hearing
being held without bail
The suspect is now out on bail.
2
law
: security given for the release of a prisoner on bail
Bail was set at $300,000.
a motion to reduce bail
3
law
: one who provides bail
bailed; bailing; bails
1
: to temporarily release (a prisoner) in exchange for security (see security sense 2a) given for appearance at a later hearing : to release under bail (see bail entry 3 sense 1)
2
: to procure the release of by giving bail (see bail entry 3 sense 2)
—often used with out
Her lawyer bailed her out of jail.
3
: to help from a predicament
—used with out
His parents are always bailing him out of trouble.
bail out impoverished countries
1
a
: a U-shaped strip used to support something (such as the cover of a wagon or the canopy of a small boat)
b
: a hinged bar for holding paper against the platen of a typewriter
2
: a usually arched handle (as of a kettle or pail)
bailed; bailing; bails
: to deliver (personal property) in trust to another for a special purpose and for a limited period
chiefly British
: a device for confining or separating animals
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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