(bāl) noun
A scoop or bucket for dipping out fluids, as from a boat.
—v.t. & v.i.
1. To dip (water) as from a boat, with or as with a bail.
2. To clear (a boat) of water by dipping out.
—to bail out To jump from an airplane or other aircraft, equipped with parachute, in order to land; to parachute. ◆ Homophone: bale. [<OF baille <LL bacula, dim. of baca, bacca shallow trough, tub]

(bāl) noun
1. A partition between the stalls of a stable.
2. A frame to confine a cow's head while milking.
3. In cricket, one of the crosspieces of the wicket.
4. A crossbar.
5. A bailey.
6. plural Obs. Palisades. ◆ Homophone: bale.
—to bail up Austral. Slang
1. To hold up and rob.
2. To corner or accost someone. [<OF baile barrier, ? <bailler enclose, shut]

(bāl) Law noun
1. One who becomes surety for the debt or default of another, especially of a person under arrest.
2. The .security or guaranty given or agreed upon.
3. Release, or the privilege of release, on bail. See synonyms under SECURITY.
—v.t.
1. To release (an arrested person) on bail for appearance at a stipulated time: often with out.
2. To obtain the release of (an arrested person) on bail: usually with out.
3. To deliver, as goods, to another's disposition or care without transference of ownership.
—to go (or stand) bail for To provide bail for. ◆ Homophone: bale. [<OF, power, custody <baillier guard, control <L bajulare carry, manage]

(bāl) noun
1. The semicircular handle of a pail, kettle, etc.
2. An arch-shaped support, as for holding up the cloth of a canopy.
—v.t. To provide with a bail or handle. ◆ Homophone: bale. [<ON beygla hook, ring]