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water bailie

A Scottish English term equivalent to 'water bailiff' — an official appointed to enforce fishing laws and regulations on rivers, lochs, and other waterways.

ˈwɔtɚ ˈbeɪli182 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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#1·Apr 28, 2026

A Scottish English term equivalent to 'water bailiff' — an official appointed to enforce fishing laws and regulations on rivers, lochs, and other waterways. Water bailies are typically employed by river authorities, fishing estates, or local councils to prevent poaching and ensure fishing licenses are valid. The term is the standard Scottish usage where English would use 'water bailiff,' reflecting the Scottish legal and administrative tradition's preference for 'bailie' over 'bailiff.'

The water bailie spotted the unlicensed anglers on the riverbank and came over to check their permits.
Origin: Scottish variant of 'water bailiff'; 'bailie' is the Scottish form of 'bailiff,' from Old French 'baillif,' reflecting Scotland's distinct legal terminology. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora.
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#2·Apr 27, 2026

(Scotland) water bailiff.

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