balie

Balie is a term used in Dutch and Afrikaans with several related meanings. In everyday use, balie designates a counter or reception area in a building, such as a town hall, bank, police station, shop, or hotel. It refers to the front desk where inquiries are answered and services are provided.

In legal language, balie can refer to the Bar—the collective body of practising lawyers. In Dutch-speaking contexts and in South Africa, the term is used to describe the legal profession as a whole, and it can denote the offices or chambers where advocates work.

As a proper noun, Balie may appear as a surname or in place names in various regions. When used in this way, it functions independently of its service or profession senses.

Usage notes: as a common noun in Dutch or Afrikaans, balie is typically not capitalized, whereas it becomes part of a proper noun when used as a name. The exact sense is determined by context.