Bailee

/beɪˈliː/ noun

Definition

A person who receives and takes care of someone else's property for a specific purpose, like a mechanic holding your car for repairs.

Etymology

From Old French 'bailie,' meaning custody or guardianship, derived from Latin 'bajulare' (to carry). The '-ee' suffix indicates the person receiving the action, contrasting with 'bailor' (the owner).

Kelly Says

Bailees appear everywhere in modern life—dry cleaners, valet services, storage units—yet most people don't know the legal term that protects their rights when someone else holds their stuff.

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