forfeit bail Definition

bail¹
noun

1. The temporary release of a person awaiting trial, secured by the payment of money and/or the imposition of special conditions.
2. Money required as security for a person's temporary release while awaiting trial.

verb bailed, bailing

1. To provide bail for them.
2. colloq
To help them out of difficulties, especially by lending them money.

Idiom: forfeit bail

To fail to return for trial after being released on bail.

Idiom: jump bail

informal
To forfeit bail

Idiom: on bail

Said of a person: released once bail money has been given to the court.

Idiom: put up bail (stand bail, go bail)

To provide bail for a prisoner.

Etymology: 14c: French, meaning ‘custody'.