BAILIWICK Meaning and
Definition
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Bailiwick is a noun that refers to one's area of expertise, knowledge, or responsibility. It is derived from the Old French word "baillif" meaning "bailiff" or "administrator," which had the same connotation of overseeing a specific territory or jurisdiction.
In a general sense, bailiwick can be described as one's specialized field of interest or skill. It denotes a particular subject or area that an individual is knowledgeable about or experienced in. It signifies an individual's domain or comfort zone, where they have a deep understanding and expertise. For instance, a computer programmer's bailiwick would be coding and software development, while a chef's bailiwick would be cooking and culinary arts.
Additionally, bailiwick can also refer to a specific professional or administrative jurisdiction. It is often used in the context of law enforcement, where a bailiwick refers to the geographical area that a sheriff or other law enforcement official has responsibility over. It signifies the specific territory where a person has legal authority or control.
Overall, bailiwick represents a person's area of expertise or responsibility, encompassing their specialized knowledge, skills, or professional jurisdiction. It pertains to both individual expertise and broader administrative boundaries.
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The limits of a bailiffs authority or jurisdiction.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for BAILIWICK
Etymology of BAILIWICK
The word "bailiwick" originated in the 15th century and comes from the Middle English term "bailie-wick". It is derived from two components:
1. "Bailie" or "baillie" refers to the title of a medieval official or magistrate who had administrative or legal authority over an area. This term comes from the Old French "baillis", which ultimately stems from the Latin "bajulus", meaning "custodian" or "administrator".
2. "Wick" originally meant a farm or village, but it later came to refer to a district or administrative area. This word comes from the Old English "wic" or "wīc", which meant "dwelling" or "village".
Therefore, the word "bailiwick" denotes the district or area under the jurisdiction of a bailiff.
Similar spelling words for BAILIWICK
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