baillee
Definition
- Noun:
- Recipient of goods for safekeeping: In law, a "bailee" is a person or party to whom goods are delivered for a specific purpose, such as storage, repair, or transport, without transferring ownership. The bailee holds the goods on behalf of the bailor (the person delivering the goods) and is responsible for their care.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The warehouse company acted as a bailee for the furniture during the move. (The company received the furniture for safekeeping.)
- As a bailee, the jeweler must return the watch after the repair is complete. (The jeweler holds the watch temporarily for the owner.)
Advanced Usage
"bailee's lien": a legal right of the bailee to retain possession of the goods until payment for services is made.
- The mechanic claimed a bailee's lien on the car until the repair bill was settled. (The mechanic kept the car as security for payment.)
"involuntary bailee": a person who comes into possession of goods without their consent or knowledge, such as finding lost property.
- The finder of the wallet became an involuntary bailee, obligated to return it to the owner. (The finder had no choice but to hold the wallet temporarily.)
Variants and Related Words
Bailment (n): the legal act of delivering goods to a bailee for a specific purpose.
- The contract of bailment outlined the responsibilities of the bailee. (The agreement defined the terms of holding the goods.)
Bailor (n): the person who delivers goods to a bailee.
- The bailor entrusted the artwork to the museum for exhibition. (The owner gave the artwork to the museum.)
Synonyms
- Custodian: a person who has custody or care of something.
- Depositary: a person or institution entrusted with keeping something safe.
Related Idioms
- "In the care of a bailee": a phrase indicating that property is under the temporary control of another party.
- The documents were left in the care of a bailee at the law firm. (The documents were held by the firm for safekeeping.)