There are many such "knacked BALS" in Cornwall, with their iron "bobs"- horizontal, depressed, or raised aloft, according to the attitude in which they expired-holding forth similar firm, silent, and perpetual protests and cautions.
"Deep Down, a Tale of the Cornish Mines"
R.M. Ballantyne
At all the BALS the men who dance retain their hats and often their overcoats, and for the most part leave their partners with amazing abruptness at the last step.
"A Wanderer in Paris"
E. V. Lucas
A friend of mine you rascall, I was never wearier of doing nothing, then kicking these two foote-BALS.
"A King, and No King"
Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher