pail

Everyday

A pail is a bucket: a round container with a handle for carrying water, milk or sand. tree →

In the lessons

Mostly used in the US, in old stories and nursery rhymes («Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water»). In maths problems pails hold amounts of water to add, share or measure. Phrases: «a pail of water», «a milk pail».

Examples

• Jack and Jill went to fetch a pail of water. tree →
• The farmer filled the pail with milk. tree →
• We took a pail and shovel to the beach. tree →
• Each pail holds 5 litres of water. tree →
• The pail was full of shells. tree →
• Carry the pail carefully so it doesn't spill. tree →
• She emptied the pail into the trough. tree →
• A pail of sand was kept near the fire. tree →
• He found a pail that was quite full. tree →

Note

Homophone: «pale» (light in colour, or ill-looking). Same meaning as «bucket», which is more common in the UK and Australia. In maths, «3 pails of 5 litres» = 15 litres.

In Jewish tradition

In Job it is a container for milk, a picture of a rich and comfortable life. In the primary lessons: Mostly used in the US, in old stories and nursery rhymes («Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water»). In maths problems pails hold amounts of water to add, share or measure. Phrases: «a pail of water», «a milk pail».

Examples

• His pails are full of milk, and the marrow of his bones is moistened. (Writings JOB.21.24, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Homophone: «pale» (light in colour, or ill-looking). Same meaning as «bucket», which is more common in the UK and Australia. In maths, «3 pails of 5 litres» = 15 litres.