bale

Definition

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

Etymology

From Middle English bale (“evil”), from Old English bealu, from Proto-West Germanic *balu, from Proto-Germanic *balwą. Cognate with Low German bal- (“bad, ill”), Gothic 𐌱𐌰𐌻𐍅𐌴𐌹𐌽𐍃 (balweins, “torture”), Old High German balo (“destruction”), Old Norse bǫl (“disaster”).

Example Sentences

• "That other ſwayne, like aſhes deadly pale, Lay in the lap of death, rewing his wretched bale."
• "Rome, and her Rats, are at the point of battell, The one ſide muſt haue baile."
• "Ffor if you wold comfort me with a kisse, Then were I brought ffrom bale to blisse, Noe longer here wold I lye."