Definition of "bailie" [bail•ie]

• A Scottish municipal officer corresponding to an English alderman. (noun)
• Obsolete A bailiff. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "I mention them because it is supposed that a bailie is the most important human being in Scotland, and he feels it his duty not to yield to emotion."
• "_ -- In Scotland the word bailiff has taken the form of "bailie," signifying a superior officer or magistrate of a municipal corporation."
• "Down the stairs he ran (for the parlour was nae place for him after such a word) and he heard the laird swearing blood and wounds behind him, as fast; as ever did Sir Robert, and roaring for the bailie and the baron-officer."