pailful

American  

[peyl-fool] / ˈpeɪlˌfʊl /

noun

plural

pailfuls

1. a quantity sufficient to fill a pail.

   a pailful of water.

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Spelling

See -ful.

Etymology

Origin of pailful

First recorded in 1585–95; pail + -ful

Example Sentences

“Pope!” she whispered again, and it was as though he had had a pailful of ordure thrown in his face.

From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley

Streams newly made from the accumulating water on the heights above flooded their feet to the depths of their shoes, and the rain fell upon them as if by the pailful.

From The Hills of Refuge A Novel by Harben, Will N. (Will Nathaniel)

She was like a child endeavouring to pour a great pailful of water into a very little cup.

From Consequences by Delafield, E. M.

They threw the contents by the pailful inside the buildings.

From The Boss of Wind River by Chisholm, A. M. (Arthur Murray)

There was so little water that Terry had to dig a hole, in order to get a pailful for supper and breakfast.

From The Pike's Peak Rush Terry in the New Gold Fields by Sabin, Edwin L. (Edwin Legrand)