0 (in the UK ) an official who takes away someone's possessions when they owe money: --
1 an official who is responsible for prisoners who are appearing in court --
2 an official who takes possession of someone's property when they cannot pay their debts: --
They threatened to call in the bailiffs to recover the family's debts.
3 an official who is responsible for prisoners who are appearing in court --
I am informed by the constabulary authorities that on the date in question two police were protecting two water bailiffs on the steam launch.
The high bailiffs are appointed by the judge.
Apparently, as we have not been able to pay our rent this will cause the bailiffs to take possession and force us into the street.
There is no difference in terms of the controls on those bailiffs.
The first part relates to the general law and rules that apply to bailiffs, particularly private bailiffs.
They had their sleep disturbed when the bailiffs took repossession.
They would be for particular areas, mainly where there are no water bailiffs at present.
The cost of employing water bailiffs has gone up remarkably.
