bailey

IPA/ˈbeɪli/

KK[bˈeli]IPA/ˈbeɪli/

1.名詞C2

釋義

the enclosed courtyard inside a castle's outer defensive wall, where daily tasks like cooking, training, and trade took place

例句

Mira and Selim spread their picnic blanket across the sunny bailey before the rain began.

collocation: across the bailey

The castle bailey once held workshops, a bakery, and stables for thirty horses.

同義詞

courtyard
a general term for any open space surrounded by buildings; not limited to castles
ward
a broader castle term for a whole section or division, which may include multiple structures
close
an enclosed area around a cathedral or college, not a military fortification

Distinguish from sense 2 (OUTER WALL): the bailey here is the open space, not the wall around it.

❌The bailey was twelve metres high.

✅The bailey was wide enough for a market.

💡Sense 1 refers to the courtyard (a flat space), not the wall (a tall structure).

2.名詞C2

釋義

the strong outer wall that surrounds a castle's courtyard, designed to withstand attacks and protect those inside

例句

Caio traced his fingers along the cold stone bailey, feeling every chip and groove.

collocation: stone bailey

Attackers could not break through the bailey, so they dug a tunnel beneath it.

preposition: break through the bailey

同義詞

rampart
a defensive wall of any fortification, not limited to castle architecture
curtain wall
the specific architectural term for a castle's outer defensive wall
bulwark
a solid defensive wall or earthwork, often used figuratively for strong protection

Distinguish from sense 1 (INNER COURTYARD): the bailey here means the wall itself, not the space it encloses.

❌They played ball games in the bailey.' (when meaning the wall).

✅Archers stood on the bailey, scanning the horizon.

💡Sense 2 is the wall, which you stand on; sense 1 is the courtyard, which you are in.

bailey — noun