in a general sense, a spherical and round body, whether it be so naturally, or turned into that figure by the hand of an artist: Thus we say, a tennis-ball, foot-ball, cotton-ball, &c.

Ball, in the military art, comprehends all sorts of bullets for fire-arms, from the cannon to the pistol. See GUNNERY.

Cannon-balls are of iron; musquet-balls, pistol-balls, &c. are of lead. The experiment has been tried of iron balls for pistols and fusées, but they are justly rejected, not only on account of their lightness, which prevents them from flying straight, but because they are apt to furrow the barrel.

Ball and socket is an instrument made of brass, with a perpetual screw, so as to move horizontally, vertically, and obliquely; and is generally used for the managing of surveying, and astronomical instruments.

Ball of a pendulum, the same with bob. See Bob.

Ball, among printers. See PRINTING.

Puff-Ball, the English name of the lycoperdon. See Lycoperdon.