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bailie

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈbeɪli/

KK: /ˈbeɪli/

noun
Definition

A local government official in Scotland who has duties similar to those of an alderman, often involved in municipal administration and justice.


Example

The bailie presided over the town council meeting to discuss local issues.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you know that in Scotland, the local government has a position called a bailie?
Sloth B
Really? I had no idea what that was until now.
Sloth A
Yeah, it's similar to an alderman in England.
Sloth B
That's interesting! I wonder how many other unique titles they have.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
alderman
magistrate
bailiff
Antonyms
citizen
layman
commoner
Root Explanation

Bailie → The word 'bailie' originates from Old French 'bailli', meaning a bailiff or an official. It refers to a person who has the authority to manage or oversee a specific area or duty, often in a legal context.

Memory Tip

Think of an official ('bailli') who is responsible for managing duties or overseeing tasks — that's what a bailie does.

Visually Confused Words
ailie
mailie
birlie
billie
bilbie
barile
baline
baldie
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