[Erroneous spelling of BAIL v.4, q.v.] To lade or throw water out of a boat or ship with buckets (formerly called bails) or other vessels. Const. to bale the water out, bale the boat (out). To bale up: to scoop up. See BAIL v.4
[1627. Capt. Smith, Seamans Gram., vi. 27. To baile or cast out the water.] Ibid. (1692), I. xvi. 75. To Bale, to lade Water out of the Ships Hold with Buckets, or the like.
1748. Anson, Voy., III. v. 342. In baling out the water.
1833. Marryat, Perc. Keene, xvi. Lets bale the boat out first.
1884. Graphic, 23 Aug., 190/2. Herrings in such surprising quantities that they can be baled up with a basket.