to fix

TO FIX. To render liable. 
     2. This term is applied to the condition of special bail; when the 
plaintiff has issued a ca. sa. which has been returned by the sheriff, non 
est, the bail are said to be fixed, unless the defendant be surrendered 
within the time allowed ex gratia, by the practice of the court. 5 Binn. R. 
332; Coxe, R. 110; 12 Wheat. R. 604; 4 John. R. 407; 1 Caines, R. 588. The 
defendant's death after the return is no excuse for not surrendering him 
during the time allowed ex gratia. See Act of God; Death. In New Hampshire, 
1 N. H. Rep. 472, and Massachusetts, 2 Mass. R. 485, the bail are not fixed 
until judgment is obtained against them on a scire facias, or unless the 
defendant die after, the return of non est or) the execution against him. In 
North Carolina, the bail are not fixed till judgment against them. 3 Dev. R. 
155. When the bail are fixed, they are absolutely responsible.