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bumbailiff

[ buhm-bey-lif ]

noun

, British: Disparaging.
  1. (formerly) a bailiff or underbailiff employed in serving writs, making arrests, etc.

bumbailiff

/ ˌbʌmˈbeɪlɪf /

noun

  1. derogatory.
    (formerly) an officer employed to collect debts and arrest debtors for nonpayment
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of bumbailiff1

1595–1605; bum 2 + bailiff; alluding to their following close behind debtors and other offenders
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Word History and Origins

Origin of bumbailiff1

C17: from bum 1+ bailiff, so called because he follows hard behind debtors

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bum bagbumbershoot

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