-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
plural baileys
1
: the outer wall of a castle or any of several walls surrounding the keep
2
: a courtyard within the external wall or between two outer walls of a castle
Examples of bailey in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Shadow bands, baileys beads, and diamond ring will reappear in opposite order.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2024
Paths and gardens fill the bailey – the courtyard where soldiers may have trained.
—Lauren Beale, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2021
Dan McLaughlin wrote a brilliant piece recently about the Left’s motte-and-bailey tactics regarding the debate around CRT, and Quarshie’s definition is in the very bowels of the motte.
—Luther Ray Abel, National Review, 22 June 2021
Here, instead, were the motte-and-bailey dreams of Brexit, the blood and soil nationalism of soon-to-be President Trump and the majoritarian rage scorching through Indian democracy.
—Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 3 Nov. 2020
But avoid mixers whenever possible — margarita mix, schnapps, baileys, curacao will generally add 10g of carbs per serving.
—Kimberly Mugler, Philly.com, 26 May 2018
Your feudal lord did not have a range of mottes, baileys, bartizans, drawbridges, dungeons, machicolations and turrets to choose from.
—A-LIST, 2 Oct. 2017
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English bailli, palisade, bailey, from Anglo-French baille, balie
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of bailey was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing bailey
Dictionary Entries Near bailey
Cite this Entry
“Bailey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bailey. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
Biographical Definition
Bailey
2 of 3biographical name (2)
Nathan or Nathaniel died 1742 English lexicographer
Bailey
3 of 3biographical name (3)
Pearl Mae 1918–1990 American singer
More from Merriam-Webster on bailey
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bailey
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share