ball (2)

[In Sw., Dut., Fr., & Prov. bal; Ger. ball; Sp. & Port. baile Ital. ballo. From O. Fr. baler; Prov. balar, ballar; Sp. & Port. bailar; Ital. ball are; Low Lat. ballo = to dance; Gr. βαλλίζω (ballizo) = to throw the leg about, to dance; βάλλω ( ballō ) = to throw.1 A dancing a embly, a social party at which guests a emble, specially that they may spend the evening in dancing. "Of court, and ball , and play; those ose venal souls, Corruption's veteran unrelenting hands." Thomson Liberty , pt. v. To open a ball : (a) Lit .: To lead off in the first dance. (b) Fig . (among soldiers): To commence a battle, or a cannonade against a fortification. bâll (3), s. [For etymology, see BALD.] 1. A white blaze or streak, especially on the face of one of the lower animals. 2. A white-faced horse or cow.