~ 1
■ noun
1》 a large wrapped or bound bundle of paper, hay, or cotton.
2》 the quantity in a ~ as a measure, specifically (in the US) 500 lb of cotton.
■ verb make up into ~s.
Derivatives
~r noun
Origin
ME: prob. from MDu., from OFr.; ult. of Gmc origin and related to ball 1 .
————————
~ 2
■ noun archaic
1》 evil considered as a destructive force.
2》 physical or mental torment.
Origin
OE balu , bealu , of Gmc origin.
————————
~ 3
■ verb Brit. variant spelling of bail 3 .