noun

• 1Scottish historical, rare Any of various games in which players throw or bowl a (typically heavy) ball over a relatively great distance, as ninepins, etc.; specifically one in which players compete to see who can throw a heavy ball or shot the furthest, or cover a specified distance in the fewest throws.

• 2figurative, historical, rare The exchange of artillery fire at a considerable distance, especially between ships. Especially in "(to play) at long bowls". Compare "long ball".

  Frequently as part of an extended metaphor.