Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1968 (SND Vol. VII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
¶PACES, n.pl. A variant of Baisies, q.v., in comb. ball-paces, the game of prisoner's base or rounders.Per. 1836 G. Penny Traditions 116:
The Ball Paces was formerly much played; but is now almost extinct. In this game a square was formed; and each angle was a station where one of the party having the innings was posted. A hole was dug in the ground, sufficient to hold the ball, which was placed on a bit of wood, rising about six inches above the ball. The person at the hole struck the point of this with a bat, when the ball rose; and in its descent was struck with the bat to as great a distance as possible. Before the ball was caught and thrown into the batman's station, each man at the four angles ran from one point to another; and every point counted one in the game.
