STRAW-BAIL (or STRAW-SHOES), subs. phr. (old).—1. Professional bail: see STRAW. Also (2) insufficient bail (modern).
TO GIVE (or TAKE) LEG-BAIL, verb. phr. (common).—To escape; to be indebted to one’s legs for safety: see BUNK. Also TO TAKE LEG-BAIL AND GIVE LAND-SECURITY.
1775. ADAIR, American Indians, I had concluded to use no chivalry, but GIVE THEM LEG-BAIL instead of it, by … making for a deep swamp.
1815. SCOTT, Guy Mannering, iii. ‘I e’en GAE THEM LEG-BAIL, for there’s nae ease in dealing wi’ quarrelsome fowk.’
1841. MARRYAT, The Poacher, xxii. GIVEN THEM LEG-BAIL, I swear.
