bail
UK: beɪl | US: beɪl
n. 1. Temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, often secured by payment.
n. 2. A sum of money paid to secure such release.
vt. 1. To release someone under financial guarantee.
vt. 2. To remove water from a boat (often "bail out").
The word "bail" traces back to Old French baillier ("to deliver, hand over"), derived from Latin bajulare ("to carry a burden"). Its legal sense emerged in Middle English, reflecting the idea of "delivering" someone temporarily under financial guarantee. The nautical meaning ("to remove water") likely evolved from the notion of "lifting" or "carrying" water out of a vessel.
The judge set bail at $10,000.
He was released after his family posted bail.
The crew worked quickly to bail water from the sinking boat.
She decided to bail out of the business deal.
The suspect jumped bail and fled the country.