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   bail

   /beɪl/

   noun

   • 1. either of the two crosspieces bridging the stumps, which the bowler and fielders try to dislodge with the ball to get the batter out: "the Lancashire captain was at full stretch as the wicketkeeper took off the bails"
   • 2. a bar on a typewriter or computer printer which holds the paper steady.
   • 3. a fastening that secures a crampon to the sole of a boot.
   • 4. a bar or pole separating horses in an open stable.
   • ▪ a movable framework for securing the head of a cow during milking. Australian, New Zealand

   verb

   • 1. confront (someone) with the intention of robbing them: "they bailed up Mr Dyason and demanded his money"
   • ▪ detain (someone) in conversation, especially against their will: "students will bail up Canberrans on Friday for donations for the Royal Blind Society"
   • 2. secure (a cow) during milking.

   Word Origin Middle English (denoting the outer wall of a castle): from Old French baile ‘palisade, enclosure’, baillier ‘enclose’, perhaps from Latin baculum ‘rod, stick’.

   Scrabble Points: 6

   • B

     3

   • A

     1

   • I

     1

   • L

     1

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