What term describes temporary possession by one party (the bailee) of personal property owned by another party (the bailor) for a specific purpose, such as cleaning or repair?

• A. Bailment
• B. Possessory lien
• C. Fee simple estate
• D. Life estate

Answer: (A)

Bailment describes the situation where personal property is placed into another party’s possession for a specific purpose and is to be returned after the purpose is fulfilled. The bailor retains ownership, while the bailee has temporary custody and must take reasonable care of the property and return it once the service is completed (such as cleaning or repair). This relationship specifically involves possession without transfer of ownership for a defined task.

The other terms don’t fit because they relate to ownership or security interests in property, not the temporary transfer of possession for a service. Possessory lien concerns holding property to secure a debt, while fee simple estate and life estate are real-property ownership interests, not arrangements involving temporary possession of personal property for a purpose.