Words / B1

BAYL/beɪl/

Bail is the money or conditions that let someone leave jail until trial: released on bail; jump bail (fail to return). Bale is a bundle of hay — a spelling mix-up. Do not use bail for a university deposit. Crown Court: released on bail until the date.

Meaning

Money or conditions that allow someone to leave jail until a trial.

Examples

• “He was released on bail until the Crown Court date.”
• “Bail conditions banned him from the football ground, which is the restriction sense.”

Good to know

on bail; grant / refuse bail. Mix-up: bale (hay). Court news. Not a course deposit. Verb: bail someone (also informal bail out = help with money).

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