bailiff

n. [ OF. baillif, F. bailli, custodian, magistrate, fr. L. bajulus porter. See Bail to deliver. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Originally, a person put in charge of something; especially, a chief officer, magistrate, or keeper, as of a county, town, hundred, or castle; one to whom powers of custody or care are intrusted. Abbott. [ 1913 Webster ]

Lausanne is under the canton of Berne, governed by a bailiff sent every three years from the senate. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Eng. Law) A sheriff's deputy, appointed to make arrests, collect fines, summon juries, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ In American law the term bailiff is seldom used except sometimes to signify a sheriff's officer or constable, or a party liable to account to another for the rent and profits of real estate. Burrill. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. An overseer or under steward of an estate, who directs husbandry operations, collects rents, etc. [ Eng. ] [ 1913 Webster ]