Meaning & Definition of word "Bailiwick"
Bailiwick
/ˈbeɪlɪˌwɪk/
noun:
- 1. A person's area of authority, influence, or expertise.
- Example: As a seasoned lawyer, criminal law is her bailiwick.
- 2. A jurisdiction or district within which a bailiff has authority.
- Example: The bailiwick of the local court extends to several neighboring towns.
- 3. A person's particular field of work or interest.
- Example: While she specializes in marketing, his bailiwick lies in finance.
- 4. A specific area in which someone operates or has control.
- Example: Education policy is not her bailiwick; she prefers to focus on healthcare.
Etymology
●From Middle English 'bailiwicke', from 'baili' (bailiff) + 'wick' (a district or dwelling place).
Common Phrases and Expressions
in one's bailiwick:
within the area of someone’s authority or expertise
out of one's bailiwick:
beyond the area of someone’s authority or expertise
Related Words
bailiff:
a legal officer with custody of prisoners and the duty to execute writs
jurisdiction:
the official power to make legal decisions and judgments
Slang Meanings of bailiwick
Meaning: a person's specialty or strong suit
● Example Sentence: When it comes to coding, that's totally his bailiwick.