E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Highland Bail.
Fists and cuffs; to escape the constable by knocking him down with the aid of a companion.
1
“The mute eloquence of the miller and smith, which was vested in their clenched fists, was prepared to give highland bail for their arbiter [Edie Ochiltree].”—Sir W. Scott: The Antiquary, chap. xxix.
