Also 5–7 baile, bayle, (7–9 bale). [f. BAIL sb.5] Now often less correctly BALE, q.v. To lade or throw water out of a boat, etc., with buckets (formerly called bails), pails, basins, or other vessels. a. To bail the water (out).

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1613.  Purchas, Pilgr., IX. xiv. 911. They bailed and pumped two thousand tuns and yet were ten foot deepe.

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1622.  R. Hawkins, Voy. S. Sea, 226. In clearing and bayling the water.

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1624.  Capt. Smith, Virginia, V. 174. Buckets … to baile out the water.

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1829.  Marryat, F. Mildmay, xi. One [man] to bail the water out.

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  b.  To bail the boat (out).

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1840.  R. H. Dana, Bef. Mast, xviii. 50. By the help of a small bucket and our hats we bailed her out.

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1841.  Catlin, N. Amer. Ind. (1844), II. xlviii. 111. Ladles to bail them out.

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  c.  absol.

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1624.  Capt. Smith, Virginia, V. 174. Bailing and pumping three daies and three nights without intermission.

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1682.  Sir J. Berry, in Lond. Gaz., No. 1720/7. Still working with the Pumps and Bailing, but to no purpose.

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