Bailey Meaning
/ˈbeɪli/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe outer wall of a feudal castle.
nounThe space immediately within the outer wall of a castle or fortress.
Sentence Examples
Have you seen Bill Bailey?
Fascism is the motte to capitalism's bailey.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The castle's outer wall enclosed a large open courtyard called the ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The castle's ____ was a large open area surrounded by high walls.
Word Origin & History
From Old French baile (“palisade, enclosure”), from Latin bacula, plural of baculum (“stick, rod”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
""Birds are dinosaurs" is the bailey; "birds are more similar to dinosaurs than anything else" is the motte."
— 2023 February 10, “Why Birds Are Not Dinosaurs (And Why It Matters)”, in Answers in Genesis, archived from the original on 15 Mar 2023:
"“I did not initiate, welcome, encourage, engage in, or learn from much less enjoy, [Adam] Bailey’s tirade. I did not base any part of any of my rulings on it, as Bailey has outlandishly, mistakenly, and defamatorily claimed,” Engoron wrote."
— 2024 July 25, Kara Scannell, “Judge who ordered Trump to pay $454 million says he was ‘accosted’ by lawyer and won’t recuse himself from case”, in CNN:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The castle's outer wall enclosed a large open courtyard called the ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The castle's ____ was a large open area surrounded by high walls.