Definition of: bailiff

(bā′lif) noun
1. An officer of court having custody of prisoners under arraignment.
2. A sheriff's deputy for serving processes and warrants of arrest.
3. A custodian of property and its management for the owner; steward; overseer.
4. Brit. A subordinate magistrate with jurisdiction limited to a certain district or to certain functions, as to keeping the peace in the hundreds.
5. The first civil officer in each of the Channel Islands. [<OF baillif <L bajalus porter, manager]