A bailiff empowered to collect debts or arrest debtors for non-payment.
‘a confounded pettifogging bum-bailiff’
‘They are also often called bum-bailiffs or, shortly, ‘bums’.’
‘They will do what the law commands, but they will not volunteer to act as tip-staves of bum-bailiffs.’
‘Up to the time that a post office was established on January 1, 1806, it was known as Bumbridge because the bum-bailiff fell through the bridge while attempting to arrest a person.’
‘Practically what was really required was a sort of glorified bum-bailiff, with the necessary assistance, the bum-bailiff holding a position similar to that of a magistrate.’
‘The drum and fife by day, and the jolly carouse at the lodge at night, will be too much for you; but the Presbyterians whose fathers were United Irishmen, would prefer twenty acres of free land to the whole clanjaffray of kings, Parliaments, and bum-bailiffs.’
Origin
Mid 16th century from bum, perhaps so named because of the association of an approach from behind.
Are You Learning English? Here Are Our Top English Tips