The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Bale \Bale\ (b[=a]l), n. [OE. bale, OF. bale, F. balle, LL.
   bala, fr. OHG. balla, palla, pallo, G. ball, balle, ballen,
   ball, round pack; cf. D. baal. Cf. Ball a round body.]
   A bundle or package of goods in a cloth cover, and corded for
   storage or transportation; also, a bundle of straw, hay,
   etc., put up compactly for transportation.
   [1913 Webster]

   Bale of dice, a pair of dice. [Obs.] --B. Jonson.
      [1913 Webster]