Definition of "leg-bail" [leg-bail]

• Escape from custody; flight from danger of arrest or capture. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "I often hoped he would be caught before reaching the post, but he seemed to know intuitively when the time had come to take leg-bail, for his advent at the garrison generally preceded by but a few hours the death of some poor dupe."
• "But, from the way in which the bearers who had carried us, and some other fellows with bows and arrows and broad-bladed knives in their belts, closed round us at the word of command from "yellow hat," we would have fared ill had we attempted just then to give him and his retainers "leg-bail.""
• "He was kept in this position from 9 o'clock A.M. until after dark; but night coming on, he took leg-bail for our works, reaching them without further adventure."