Obs. [prob. f. Celtic: cf. Welsh bàl sb. or ? adj., in ceffyl bàl ‘a horse having a white streak on the forehead,’ Breton bal ‘a white mark on an animal’s face,’ Ir. and Gael. bal spot, mark.]
1. A white streak or spot; ? a bald place.
1523. Fitzherb., Husb., § 73. The .ii. propertyes of a bauson [i.e., badger]. The fyrste is, to haue a whyte rase or a ball in the foreheed; the seconde, to haue a whyte fote.
2. ? A white-faced horse; hence, a horse’s name.
1573. Tusser, Husb., 185. Be wise who first doth teach thy childe that Art, Least homelie breaker mar fine ambling ball.
