Definition

A person who receives property from another person for a specific purpose, usually to keep it safe or to take care of it until it is returned.

Example

The bailee is responsible for taking care of the borrowed equipment until it is returned to the owner.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of the term bailee?

Yeah, I think it refers to someone who holds someone else's property, right?

Exactly! So if I lend you my bike, you become the bailee until I get it back.

Got it! That makes sense; it’s an important role in borrowing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bailee → The word 'bailee' originates from Old French 'baillier', meaning to deliver or to hand over. A bailee is a person to whom property is delivered for a specific purpose, such as storage or repair, but not for ownership.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who is 'handing over' property ('baillier') for a specific purpose — that's what a bailee does.

Visually Confused Words