Bundle of hay reportedly used for the temporary release of accused person (4)
I believe the answer is:
bail
'for the temporary release of accused person' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.
'bundle of hay reportedly' is the wordplay.
'bundle of hay' becomes 'bale' (I've seen this before).
'reportedly' shows a homophone (sound like).
'bale' is a homophone of 'BAIL'.
'used' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for bail that I've seen before include "Act on leak" , "Security for release - part of a wicket" , "Crosspiece in cricket wicket" , "Temporary release of one awaiting trial" , "Temporary release of the accused - wicket crosspiece" .)