A vessel of wood, tin, plastic, etc., usually cylindrical and having a handle -- used especially for carrying liquids, for example water or milk; a bucket (sometimes with a cover).

plural of pail

plural of pailful

The amount that fills, or would fill, a pail.

plural of pailing

Alternative form of paling

(US) A lunchbox (food container) shaped more or less like a bucket with a handle.

(dated) A container used for urinating or defecating when it is not possible or convenient to use a bathroom or toilet; a bedpan, a chamber pot. Commonly used in hospitals, where it is normally called bedpan. Formerly used in private residences that were without an indoor toilet or bathroom.

plural of lunch pail

plural of slop-pail