pail n 1: a roughly cylindrical vessel that is open at the top [syn: {bucket}, {pail}] 2: the quantity contained in a pail [syn: {pail}, {pailful}]
Pail \Pail\ (p[=a]l), n. [OE. paile, AS. p[ae]gel a wine vessel, a pail, akin to D. & G. pegel a watermark, a gauge rod, a measure of wine, Dan. p[ae]gel half a pint.] A vessel of wood or tin, etc., usually cylindrical and having a bail, -- used esp. for carrying liquids, as water or milk, etc.; a bucket. It may, or may not, have a cover. --Shak. [1913 Webster]