Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1941 (SND Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†BOWA-BALE, n. (See quot.)Rxb. 1888 N.E.D. s.v. bale, n.2:
An immense bonfire of faggots and boughs, formerly (until c.1840) kindled annually in November on the village green of Denholm in Roxburghshire, was called the Bale or Bowa-bale.
