Plural of 'bal,' which can refer to decorated silk or a ball, particularly in South Asian contexts or as shorthand in dance venues.
From Middle English 'bal' meaning 'ball' or 'dance,' borrowed from Old French 'bal' (a ball or dance event), ultimately from Latin 'ballare' meaning 'to dance.'
The word 'bals' survived in English primarily through its association with formal balls and dances in high society, which is why you might hear 'cotillion balls' or 'debutante bals' in period literature.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.