bailiff
/ˈbeɪlɪf/ · bay.lif
noun
- An officer of the court, responsible for enforcing the law and executing court orders. The bailiff entered the courtroom to announce the arrival of the judge.
- A public administrator, often employed by a local government or municipality to manage property or collect taxes. The bailiff oversaw the maintenance of the town's public buildings.
- A private administrator, typically hired by an individual or organization to manage their property or assets. The bailiff was responsible for managing the estate of the deceased millionaire.
Did you know? The term 'bailiff' has been used in various contexts, including literature and film. In the classic novel 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens, the character of Jaggers is a lawyer who employs a bailiff to serve court documents.