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Bailiwick: meaning, definitions and examples

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bailiwick

 

[ ˈbeɪliˌwɪk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

jurisdiction area

A bailiwick refers to the area of jurisdiction or authority that a particular individual, often a judge or official, oversees. Historically, it pertains to the king's or lord's administrative region where they have legal authority. The term has evolved from its original meaning to also encompass any field or domain in which someone possesses expertise or a specific interest. It often implies a sense of control or responsibility over that realm.

Synonyms

authority, domain, field, jurisdiction

Examples of usage

  • The judge made decisions within his bailiwick.
  • Her research fell within the bailiwick of environmental science.
  • Each department has its own bailiwick in the organization.

Translations

Translations of the word "bailiwick" in other languages:

🇵🇹 jurisdição

🇮🇳 क्षेत्र

🇩🇪 Gerichtsbezirk

🇮🇩 wilayah

🇺🇦 сфера

🇵🇱 jurysdykcja

🇯🇵 管轄区域

🇫🇷 circonscription

🇪🇸 jurisdicción

🇹🇷 yargı alanı

🇰🇷 관할권

🇸🇦 اختصاص

🇨🇿 soudní obvod

🇸🇰 súdny obvod

🇨🇳 管辖区

🇸🇮 sodna oblast

🇮🇸 dómstóll

🇰🇿 соттық аумақ

🇬🇪 სასამართლო ტერიტორია

🇦🇿 məhkəmə sahəsi

🇲🇽 jurisdicción

Word origin

The term 'bailiwick' has its roots in Middle English, derived from the word 'baili', which refers to a bailiff or steward. The word is a combination of 'baili', from the Old French 'bailli', meaning a governor or an officer of justice, and 'wick', which denotes a district or dwelling place in Old English. The historic use of 'bailiwick' referred specifically to the district of a bailiff's authority, where they managed legal matters on behalf of the crown or lord. Over time, the term has broadened to include any area of responsibility or expertise that an individual may assume. The evolution of the word reflects the growth of legal and administrative practices from the medieval period to contemporary usage, where it signifies not just geographical jurisdiction but also areas of professional influence.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,963, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.