3 ms·
Yes, the balls are (historically) lignum vitae. I don't know why they're called bowls instead of balls.
by jstanley 3y ago
Yes, the balls are (historically) lignum vitae. I don't know why they're called bowls instead of balls.
- mauvehaus 3y agoLike many quirks in English, we can blame the French: https://www.etymonline.com/word/bowls#etymonline_v_32538 https://www.etymonline.com/word/bowls#etymonline_v_32538 Boule is the modern French name for a likely similar game (I don't play either). And of course the Italians have bocce.