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.
2 figurative, 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.
Usage
In plural
Origin
Late 15th century. From long + bowl.
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