Bail

Once upon a time, Bail may have been the nickname for Bailey, but now it has its very own page! A masculine variant of the gender-neutral Bailey, Bail and its predecessor have the shared meanings of "bailiff" and "berry clearing." Over time, the term "bail!" has become known as the comedic catchphrase for TV and movie characters to escape an uncomfortable situation. Bail's meaning of bailiff comes from the old Middle English word for a steward and official. And its meaning of berry clearing refers to . . .bail!