bail n
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" [syn: 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" v
3. release after a security has been paid
4. deliver something in trust to somebody for a special purpose and for a limited period
5. secure the release of (someone) by providing security
6. empty (a vessel) by bailing
7. remove (water) from a vessel with a container

Bail \Bail\, n. [OE. beyl; cf. Dan. b["o]ile an bending, ring, hoop, Sw. b["o]gel, bygel, and Icel. beyla hump, swelling, akin to E. bow to bend.]
1. The arched handle of a kettle, pail, or similar vessel, usually movable. --Forby.
2. A half hoop for supporting the cover of a carrier's wagon, awning of a boat, etc.

Bail \Bail\, n. [F. baille a bucket, pail; cf. LL. bacula, dim. of bacca a sort of vessel. Cf. Bac.] A bucket or scoop used in bailing water out of a boat. [Obs.] The bail of a canoe . . . made of a human skull. --Capt. Cook.

Bail \Bail\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Bailed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Bailing.]
1. To lade; to dip and throw; -- usually with out; as, to bail water out of a boat. Buckets . . . to bail out the water. --Capt. J. Smith.
2. To dip or lade water from; -- often with out to express completeness; as, to bail a boat. By the help of a small bucket and our hats we bailed her out. --R. H. Dana, Jr.

See more meaning on Bail...

Traditionally, bail is some form of property deposited or pledged to a court to persuade it to release a suspect from jail, on the understanding that the suspect will return for trial or forfeit the bail (and possibly be brought up on charges of the crime of failure to appear). In some cases bail money may be returned at the end of the trial, if all court appearances are made, regardless of whether the person is found guilty or not guilty of the crime accused. If a bondsman is used and a surety bond has been obtained, the fee for that bond is the fee for the insurance policy purchased and is not refundable.

In some countries granting bail is common. Even in such countries, however, bail may not be offered by some courts under some circumstances; for instance, if the accused is considered likely not to appear for trial regardless of bail. Countries without bail imprison the suspect before the trial only if deemed necessary. Legislatures may also set out certain crimes to be not bailable, such as capital crimes.

• Bail reduced for NJ synagogue firebomb suspect - msnbc.com
  NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - An appeals court has lowered bail for one of the defendants in a series of firebomb attacks on northern New Jersey synagogues. Aakash Dalal (ah-KAHSH' dah-LAHL') has been held on $2.5 million bail since his March arrest on charges of ... Read more on this news related to 'Bail'
• Jamarcus Edmond's bail revoked following arrest in Prichard club shooting (Video) - Everything Alabama Blog
  PRICHARD, Alabama -- A man who was out on bail in connection with a gas station robbery and shooting was re-arrested Tuesday in connection with another shooting, this time at a Prichard nightclub. Jamarcus Castile Edmond, 22, was charged Tuesday ... Read more on this news related to 'Bail'
• Duxbury home invasion suspect ordered held without bail - Boston Globe
  PLYMOUTH — A 19-year-old Oklahoma man was ordered held without bail after being arraigned today on numerous charges for allegedly trying to break into a Duxbury home Monday night and shooting at police officers who chased him. Brett Trevor ... Read more on this news related to 'Bail'