\Bail"iff\, n. [OF. baillif, F. bailli, custodia?
magistrate, fr. L. bajulus porter. See {Bail} to deliver.]
1. Originally, a person put in charge of something
   especially, a chief officer, magistrate, or keeper, as of
   a county, town, hundred, or castle; one to whom power? of
   custody or care are intrusted. --Abbott.
         Lausanne is under the canton of Berne, governed by a
         bailiff sent every three years from the senate.
                                               --Addison.
2. (Eng. Law) A sheriff's deputy, appointed to make arrests,
   collect fines, summon juries, etc.
Note: In American law the term bailiff is seldom used except
      sometimes to signify a sheriff's officer or constable,
      or a party liable to account to another for the rent
      and profits of real estate. --Burrill.
3. An overseer or under steward of an estate, who directs
   husbandry operations, collects rents, etc. [Eng.]