Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BAIL, n.

1. The person or persons who procure the release of a prisoner from custody, by becoming surety for his appearance in court. The bail must be real substantial bondsmen. – Blackstone. – B. and B. were bail to the arrest in a suit at law. – Kent. Bail is not used with a plural termination.
2. The security given for the release of a prisoner from custody; as, the man is out upon bail. Excessive bail ought not to be required. – Blackstone. Bail is common or special. Common bail are imaginary persons, who are pledges for the plaintif's prosecution; as, John Doe and Richard Roe. Special bail must be men of real substance, sufficient to pay their bond or recognizance. To perfect or justify bail, is to prove by the oath of the person that he is worth the sum for which he is surety beyond his debts. To admit to bail, is to release upon security given by bondsmen.
3. The handle of a kettle or other vessel.
4. In England, a certain limit within forest.