bale1
¦ noun
1. a large wrapped or bound bundle of paper, hay, or cotton.
2. the quantity in a bale as a measure, specifically (in the US) 500 lb of cotton.
¦ verb make up into bales.
Derivatives
baler noun
Origin
ME: prob. from MDu., from OFr.; ult. of Gmc origin and related to
ball1.
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bale2
¦ noun archaic
1. evil considered as a destructive force.
2. physical or mental torment.
Origin
OE balu, bealu, of Gmc origin.
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bale3
¦
verb Brit. variant spelling of
bail3.