English · Word Candidate

bale

/beɪl/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: bales · baling · baled

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Evil, especially considered as an active force for destruction or death.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Suffering, woe, torment.

Noun

Examples

That other ſwayne, like aſhes deadly pale, Lay in the lap of death, rewing his wretched bale.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A rounded bundle or package of goods in a cloth cover, and corded for storage or transportation.

Noun

Examples

So having made up my mind, I packed up in bales a quantity of precious stuffs suited for sea-trade and repaired with them from Baghdad-city to Bassorah-town, where I found ship ready for sea, and in her a company of considerable merchants.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

A bundle of compressed fibers (especially hay, straw, cotton, or wool), compacted for shipping and handling and bound by twine or wire.

Noun

Examples

What I claim therein as new, and desire to be secured by Letters Patent is the within described apparatus for forming a bale of cotton under pressure on a spindle or revolving rod,...

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “bale” mean?

Evil, especially considered as an active force for destruction or death.

Is “bale” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.

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