Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Bailiff \Bail"iff\, n. [OF. baillif, F. bailli, custodia?
   magistrate, fr. L. bajulus porter. See {Bail} to deliver.]
   1. Originally, a person put in charge of something
      especially, a chief officer, magistrate, or keeper, as of
      a county, town, hundred, or castle; one to whom power? of
      custody or care are intrusted. --Abbott.

            Lausanne is under the canton of Berne, governed by a
            bailiff sent every three years from the senate.
                                                  --Addison.

   2. (Eng. Law) A sheriff's deputy, appointed to make arrests,
      collect fines, summon juries, etc.

   Note: In American law the term bailiff is seldom used except
         sometimes to signify a sheriff's officer or constable,
         or a party liable to account to another for the rent
         and profits of real estate. --Burrill.

   3. An overseer or under steward of an estate, who directs
      husbandry operations, collects rents, etc. [Eng.]

Source : WordNet®

bailiff
     n : an officer of the court who is employed to execute writs and
         processes and make arrests etc.