a. Obs. Forms: 4 balȝe, balowe, 5 balheu, balwe. [Cf. OE. bęlʓ bag, belly.]
1. Round, rounded; ? swelling.
c. 1340. Alexander (Stev.), 4923. Balgh brade in þe brest · & on the bely sklendire.
c. 1340. Gaw. & Gr. Knt., 2172. A balȝe berȝ bi a bonke. Ibid., 2032. Vpon his balȝe haunchez.
c. 1430. Chev. Assigne, 316. Balowe tymbre & bygge.
2. Smooth.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 22. Balhew, or pleyn [1499 balwe or playne], Planus.
