Bailee

Bailee has two primary uses in English: a legal term and a given name. In property law, a bailee is a person who receives possession of someone else’s personal property (the bailor’s property) for a specific purpose, such as storage, repair, safekeeping, or transport. The bailor retains ownership, while the bailee is entrusted with care and must return the property or dispose of it according to the bailor’s instructions once the purpose is fulfilled.

In legal usage, the bailee’s responsibilities depend on the context and the type of bailment. A bailee must exercise reasonable care to protect the property and is typically liable for damage or loss caused by negligence, unless liability is limited by contract or by the terms of the bailment. Bailments can be for the benefit of the bailor, the bailee, or mutual benefit, and the standard of care varies accordingly.

As a given name, Bailee is predominantly feminine and is a variant spelling of Bailey. It has risen in use in English-speaking countries since the late 20th century, fueled by contemporary naming trends. Notable individuals bearing the name include Bailee Madison, an American actress known for roles in film and television, among others with the name. The spelling and popularity of Bailee can vary regionally and culturally.

See also: bailment, bailor, Bailey.