Bail, n. [OF. bail guardian, administrator, fr. L. bajulus. See Bail to deliver.] 1. Custody; keeping.
Silly Faunus now within their bail.
Spenser.
2. (Law) (a) The person or persons who procure the release of a prisoner from the custody of the officer, or from imprisonment, by becoming surety for his appearance in court.
The bail must be real, substantial bondsmen.
Blackstone.
A. and B. were bail to the arrest in a suit at law.
Kent.
(b) The security given for the appearance of a prisoner in order to obtain his release from custody of the officer; as, the man is out on bail; to go bail for any one.
Excessive bail ought not to be required.
Blackstone.