balled

Ball  (bôl), John Called "the Mad Priest." Died 1381.

English social agitator who was executed for his role in the Peasants' Revolt (1381).

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Ball, Lucille 1911-1989.

American actress best known as the star of the popular situation comedy I Love Lucy (1951-1957).

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ball ¹  (bôl)

n.

1.

a. A spherical object or entity: a steel ball.

b. A spherical or almost spherical body: a ball of flame.

2. Sports

a. Any of various rounded, movable objects used in various athletic activities and games.

b. Such an object moving, thrown, hit, or kicked in a particular manner: a low ball; a fair ball.

c. A game, especially baseball or basketball, played with such an object.

d. A pitched baseball that does not pass through the strike zone and is not swung at by the batter.

3.

a. A solid spherical or pointed projectile, such as one shot from a cannon.

b. Projectiles of this kind considered as a group.

4. A rounded part or protuberance, especially of the body: the ball of the foot.

5. balls Vulgar Slang

a. The testicles.

b. Courage, especially when reckless.

c. Great presumptuousness.

v. balled, ball·ing, balls

v.tr.

1. To form into a ball.

2. Vulgar Slang To have sexual intercourse with.

v.intr.

1. To become formed into a ball.

2. Vulgar Slang To have sexual intercourse.

Phrasal Verb:

ball up

To confuse; bungle.

Idiom:

on the ball Informal

1. Alert, competent, or efficient: a teacher who is really on the ball.

2. Relating to qualities, such as competence, skill, or knowledge, that are necessary for success: a manager who has a lot on the ball; a student who has nothing on the ball.

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[Middle English bal, probably from Old English *beall; see bhel-² in Indo-European roots.]

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ball ²  (bôl)

n.

1. A formal gathering for social dancing.

2. Informal An extremely enjoyable time or experience: We had a ball during our vacation.

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[French bal, from Old French, from baller, to dance, from Late Latin ballre, from Greek ballizein; see g^wel- in Indo-European roots.]