BALLISTER. A cross-bow man.
BALLISTIC PENDULUM. An instrument for determining the velocity of projectiles. The original pendulum was of very massive construction, the arc through which it receded when impinged on by the projectile, taking into account their respective weights, afforded, with considerable calculation, a measure of the velocity of impact. Latterly the electro-ballistic pendulum, which by means of electric currents is made to register with very great accuracy the time occupied by the projectile in passing over a measured space, has superseded it, as being more accurate, less cumbrous, and less laborious in its accompanying calculations.
BALLIUM. A plot of ground in ancient fortifications: called also baiky.
BALLOCH. Gaelic for the discharge of a river into a lake.
BALLOEN. A Siamese decorated state-galley, imitating a sea-monster, with from seventy to a hundred oars of a side.
BALL-OFF, To. To twist rope-yarns into balls, with a running end in the heart for making spun-yarn.
BALLOON-FISH (Tetraodon). A plectognathous fish, covered with spines, which has the power of inflating its body till it becomes almost globular.
BALLOW. Deep water inside a shoal or bar.
BALL-STELL. The geometrical instrument named della stella.
BALLY. A Teutonic word for inclosure, now prefixed to many sea-ports in Ireland, as Bally-castle, Bally-haven, Bally-shannon, and Bally-water.