n. & v.
n. 1 money etc. required as security against the temporary release of a prisoner pending trial. 2 a person or persons giving such security.
v.tr. (usu. foll. by out) 1 release or secure the release of (a prisoner) on payment of bail. 2 (also bale by assoc. with bale out 1: see BALE(1)) release from a difficulty; come to the rescue of. forfeit (colloq. jump) bail fail to appear for trial after being released on bail. go (or stand) bail (often foll. by for) act as surety (for an accused person). bailable adj.
[ ME f. OF bail custody, bailler take charge of, f. L bajulare bear a burden ]