Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BALE, n. [Fr. balle; Ger. ballen; D. baal; It. balla, a bale; Ch. Ar. Heb. הבל, to hind, to pledge, and its derivative, in Ar. and Eth., a rope.]

1. A bundle or package of goods in a cloth cover, and corded for carriage or transportation.
2. Formerly, a pair of dice.