bailey Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun United States singer (1918-1990)
    Pearl Mae Bailey; Pearl Bailey.
  2. noun English lexicographer who was the first to treat etymology consistently; his work was used as a reference by Samuel Johnson (died in 1742)
    Nathaniel Bailey; Nathan Bailey.
  3. noun the outer courtyard of a castle
  4. noun the outer defensive wall that surrounds the outer courtyard of a castle

WordNet

Bai"ley noun
Etymology
The same word as bail line of palisades; cf. LL. ballium bailey, OF. bail, baille, a palisade, baillier to inclose, shut.
Definitions
  1. The outer wall of a feudal castle. Obs.
  2. The space immediately within the outer wall of a castle or fortress. Obs.
  3. A prison or court of justice; -- used in certain proper names; as, the Old Bailey in London; the New Bailey in Manchester. Eng. Oxf. Gloss.

Webster 1913